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Supporting families of the fallen

The kindness of strangers But she never forgot the kindness of her Arlington Lady. And several years later, as she wrestled with how best to honor her husband, she dug out the lady’s card. This is something I can do, she thought, not just for him, but for every soldier. “It doesn’t matter whether we are burying a four-star general or a private,” said Margaret Mensch, head of the Army ladies. “They all deserve to have someone say ‘thank you’ at their grave.” Mensch is sitting at her desk in the

AP PHOTO/JACQUELYN MARTIN

By Helen O’Neill Joyce Johnson remembers the drums beating slowly as she walked with her girls from the Old Post Chapel, behind the horse-drawn caisson carrying the flagdraped casket of her husband. She remembers struggling to maintain her composure as she stared at his freshly dug grave, trying not to dwell on the terrible sight in the distance — the gaping hole in the Pentagon where he had so proudly worked. The three-volley salute. Taps. The chaplain handing her a perfectly folded flag. The blur of tributes. And then a lady stepped forward, a stranger, dressed not in uniform but in a simple dark suit. She whispered a few words and pressed two cards into Johnson’s hands. “If there is anything you need ...” Then she melted back into the crowd. Later Johnson would think of her as a touchingly, human presence in a sea of starched uniforms and salutes. She would learn that the stranger was an “Arlington lady” — one of a small band of volunteers, mainly spouses of retired military officers, who attend nearly every funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. She would read the notes — a formal one from the Army Chief of Staff and his wife, and a personal handwritten one from the Arlington lady herself. She would learn of their mission: to ensure no soldier is buried alone. Johnson wasn’t alone. In fact she felt as though an entire nation was grieving with her.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

The charm of yesteryear in rural Virginia; plus, surprising mystery trips, getting nickeled and dimed on cruises, and Bob Levey on when to share the wealth page 40

ARTS & STYLE

The songs tell the stories in the Ethel Waters biography His Eye Was on the Sparrow; plus, Dave Brubeck keeps the beat going at 90 Arlington ladies, such as Paula McKinley, right, add a comforting presence to the funerals of service members at Arlington National Cemetery, and lend support to the families afterwards. Here, McKinley stands by Ramish Gokool, who holds his son’s photo at the young Navy man’s funeral.

basement of the cemetery’s administration building in the small office shared by ladies from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard. The place bustles with activity — young military escorts in dress uniform arriving to accompany ladies to funerals, chaplains scribbling eulogies in their tiny office across the hall, cemetery representatives ushering mourners into private rooms upstairs. There are approximately 30 funerals at Arlington every weekday, and the ladies attend all the military ones (though not the ones for spouses). Each lady has her own reasons and stories. There is Mensch, married to a retired

Army colonel, who oversees the mammoth task of organizing the schedules for her 66 Army ladies and who said attending the funerals is the greatest honor of her life. And Doreen Huylebroeck, a 63-year-old nurse who remembers how desperately she wanted an Arlington lady beside her when her own husband, a retired Navy officer, died three years ago. Also Janine Moghaddam, who at 41 is one of the youngest Arlington ladies, and who felt a desperate need to serve her country in some small way after Sept. 11, 2001. And Johnson herself. She treks to the See ARLINGTON LADIES, page 37

page 55 LAW & MONEY k Is it too late to buy stocks? k Muni bonds for the long term

FITNESS & HEALTH 13 k New blood test for cancer k How to save at the pharmacy VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LIFETIMES k From the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Tooting our horn Recently, the North American Mature who writes most of our cover stories, won Publishers Association presented its annu- both first and second place in the Personal journalism awards. ality Profile category. Her I am pleased to say the Beacover story about talk radio con once again won top honors host Diane Rehm was called for papers in the 100,000+ cir“a strong profile with a capticulation division. And our Balvating subject, told with a timore edition, produced by mix of modern anecdote and our same staff, fared similarly historical reminiscence.” for publications in the 50,000And here’s what the judges 100,000 circulation division. had to say about her cover Both publications received story on Jane Seymour: “Somethe two top honors in their di- FROM THE times, a profile is an avenue for visions: for General Excel- PUBLISHER discussion of much broader isBy Stuart P. Rosenthal sues than the subject itself, and lence, and Best of Show. The award judges, from the this is a fine example. Moving prestigious University of Missouri School and inspirational, this piece puts a human face of Journalism, pointed to the Beacon’s “en- on a well-known celebrity.” gaging feature stories on interesting peoOur two local travel writers, Victor ple” and called us “a well-edited paper Block and Glenda Booth, shared the Travfrom cover to cover with nary a typo.” el Review top prize for “taking readers far I am particularly proud that at least one afield”: Block for his article on Namibia, award went to each of our staff writers and and Booth for her story about Hawaii. local columnists/reviewers. We have a “The essays are written conversationally consistently strong group of writers and and offer a wealth of information,” the we appreciate them! judges said. Allow me to share a bit of the judges’ Our theatre reviewer, Michael Toscano, comments with you. won first place for “helping bring readers Our managing editor, Barbara Ruben, to the drama” in his review of “Dirty

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• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel 2009 Outstanding Publication Award

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the second-place Personal Essay award. The judges said, “The writer is not afraid to give his opinion, but he does it in a responsible way. The ideas are thought out and very informative. The columns are written to elicit thoughtful conversations.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! And finally, our Housing Options Magazine, a pull-out section we publish every May, June and July, won first place in the Special Section category for “offering readers strong guidelines for making these important decisions.” I want to express my thanks and admiration to everyone on our staff for their excellent work and their many contributions to the Beacon. Congratulations to you all!

We’re growing I am pleased to announce that we will begin publishing a new Howard County edition of the Beacon later this month. The Howard County Office on Aging urged us to bring the county its own edition of the Beacon after a 50+ publication that had been there for a decade closed its doors last month. We are offering our current Washington and Baltimore advertisers a special discount to join us in our new Howard County edition. If interested, please call us at (301) 949-9766.

Letters to the editor

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• Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben

Blonde,” a play about Mae West ‘s career. Last year, we had the privilege of working with two excellent staff writers who have gone on to other careers. We submitted a sample of their works in the competition, believing them to be worthy, and we were proven right. Emma Zayer’s cover story, “How to share your home for cash,” won first in the How-To category, and Rosanna Vollmerhausen’s story about a drum circle in a nursing home won second in the Feature category. The judges described the latter story as follows: “A retired information technology expert returns to his love of drumming and pounds compelling rhythms into the lives of nursing home residents. The writing is informative, the tone warm, the result a pleasure.” Columnist Bob Levey, well known for his many years writing for the Washington Post, edged me out in the Personal Essay category, taking first place for his column, “Got Medicare, but don’t plan to use a lot.” The judges opined, “it’s not often that you read about someone deciding to use their [government] benefit wisely. This is a well-written column and challenges the predominant frame of those on Medicare.” I’m not sure on what basis the judges come to that rather stereotyped conclusion, but we appreciate the award all the same. My “From the Publisher” columns on healthcare reform and Social Security took

Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. You may also submit letters via the “Contact us” link on our website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I just picked up my copy of the February Beacon. You provide such an important service to local seniors, and aren’t afraid to tackle hard-hitting subjects like your cover story (“Sex, drugs and HIV after 50”). And congratulations for leading a grassroots effort to keep the Maryland Department of Aging in place! Congratulations on an excellent publication that just keeps getting better with each new issue. Jim Seeley Producer/Host Forever Young TV Dear Editor: In your February article (“IRS no longer mails packages of tax forms”), author Carol Feldine states incorrectly that tax forms can be obtained by calling the IRS. Several weeks ago I called IRS on its 800 number and ordered tax forms. I was told I would get them in seven to 10 days. A week later I got a card from IRS saying that they were out of stock and would send

them to me when in stock. My instincts told me differently. I went to the IRS office on Leesburg Pike here in Virginia and got all the forms I needed. After that I went to the Commissioner of Revenue here and got the Virginia forms I needed. This office would have mailed them to me if I requested them. The State of Virginia seems to function better than the federal government on this issue. Charles McGuire Arlington, Va. Dear Editor: The main problem facing communities is the gentrification process or the Anthony Williams / Adrian Fenty plan to change the demographics of Washington, D.C. and thereby increase the tax base. 1. Self-serving Mayor and Council receiving bribes from developers to redevelop D.C. at the expense of poor, low income and senior residents by pushing them out to make room for new higher income residents to increase revenue. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 60

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Working for You Several powerful wind and snow storms over the past year have caused widespread and extended power outages for our customers. We understand that we are accountable for providing reliable service. We are not where we want to be in meeting your expectations for power delivery and customer service. That’s why we have begun a six-point Reliability Enhancement Plan that will upgrade our electric distribution infrastructure and protect our lines from damage due to trees and other factors. We also are re-examining and upgrading our customer care systems — from our call centers to our Web site — so you can be assured of receiving accurate and timely information. We’ve heard your concerns. We’re working on the problems you have identified. We will make good on our pledge to improve the system and improve customer satisfaction.

Progress Report Customers already are benefiting from our Reliability Enhancement Plan. From September 2010 through January 2011, crews have — • Trimmed trees along 1,850 miles of power lines, • Installed new poles and transformers, new cable or wire, and automated switches as necessary, • Replaced or renewed 47 miles of cable, most of which was installed during the 1970s, • Upgraded power lines and added circuits to accommodate new customers and support increased energy use by existing customers, • Installed advanced control systems on 12 power lines that isolate outages and automatically restore power to customers outside the isolated outage area, • Evaluated selective replacement of portions of the overhead system with underground lines, and improved the reliability of high-voltage lines serving substations to include trimming trees for better clearance around the lines.

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Money Law &

REAPING THE DIVIDENDS Dividends are poised to rebound, especially for large cap stocks AVOID CHECKING FEES Pick the right account, watch out for service fees, and don’t overdraw PASSING IT ON Which bank accounts are best to help you protect money for heirs? HOME HEALTH COSTS Medicare is considering charging a co-pay for home health services

Is it too late to return to the stock market? By Mark Jewell Investors are finally inching back into the stock market. But are they too late? While millions sought refuge in traditionally stable bonds over the past two years, they missed a more than 90 percent rally in stocks. Suddenly bonds don’t look so safe, and some of the $11 trillion that Americans have parked in mutual funds is shifting back to stocks. After putting more than $570 billion into bonds over the past two years, mutual fund investors reversed course last fall, worried that the prospect of rising interest rates and the growing deficits of state and local governments were bringing bond prices down. In the last two months of 2010, investors withdrew a net $23 billion from bond funds, according to industry consultant Strategic Insight. At the same time, corporate bottom lines are improving. So investors are finally starting to take another look at stocks after being burned in the 2008 financial crisis and scared by the market’s “flash crash” single-day plunge in May. “Most investors have been in a capitalpreservation mentality, because they saw so much of their net worth destroyed in the bear market,” said Chris Jones, chief investment officer with J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

Few have fully recovered since the stock market began sliding from its historic peak in October 2007. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is 17 percent shy of that level, despite recent gains. The momentum has shifted, and now, with a couple of years of solid market performance, many risk-averse investors may be ready to get back in. But there are cautionary voices. The economic recovery is still fragile in the eyes of Tom Roseen, an analyst with fund-tracker Lipper Inc. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a little bit of a pullback over the next couple months, as people re-evaluate their portfolios and take a look at how much the market has gained,” he said.

Bond losses boost stocks Until recently, investors got a decent return from their play-it-safe strategy. Diversified bond funds gained an average of 10.8 percent last year, beating their average annual gain of 6.2 percent over the past five years, according to Morningstar. Still, nearly all types of bonds lost money in the fourth quarter of 2010, with government bonds taking the biggest hit. This downturn helped fuel a shift into stocks — most notably abroad. Mutual funds buying overseas stocks took in a net $72 bil-

lion last year, while investors pulled a net $49 billion out of funds buying American stocks. There are signs that U.S. stocks are becoming more attractive to mutual fund investors. For one week in December, domestic stock funds took in more money than investors pulled out. The last time that had happened was last April. And the pace of withdrawals is slowing. Market optimism is also improving. For 19 consecutive weeks, surveys by the American Association of Individual Investors have shown a greater-than-average belief that stock prices will rise. The last time the surveys had such a long streak of bullish sentiment was in late 2004. Yet the movement of money because of troubles with municipal bonds offers a reminder of how important it is for investors to remain even-keeled. “You simply have got to put aside the emotion and believe in what you are taught — to buy low and sell high,” said Carol Clemens, a 64-year-old retiree from Edmond, Okla. She scored big when she snapped up shares of Ford for around $2 when it appeared U.S. automakers might go under a couple of years ago. The stock now trades above $18, thanks to smart moves by Ford’s management and a strengthening economy. Clemens’ portfolio is about two-thirds

stocks and one-third bonds, and she’s recently been trimming her stake in bonds. Belief that the economic recovery is on track has recently driven up long-term interest rates from record lows. This has led investors to pull out of low-yielding Treasurys. Rising rates also are making it costlier for state and local governments to borrow. Fear of further rate increases also is causing prices for many previously issued bonds to drop. That’s because investors will be able to buy newly issued bonds paying higher interest.

Stock gains expected So as bond prices decline, investors like Clemens will be looking for income from stocks that pay solid dividends. And as other investors step back into stocks, they may be questioning whether they’re making the classic mistake of buying in at the market’s peak. The S&P 500 is up 27 percent since Sept. 1, and at its highest point since August 2008. It finished 2010 with a return of 15 percent including dividends, more than twice the gain for a comparable bond index. J.P. Morgan’s Jones expects further stock gains in 2011, with a breakout year for growth stocks of companies whose earnings rapidly appreciate — think AmaSee STOCK MARKET, page 7

Muni bonds offer income, but risks, too Worries about out-of-control state Who should buy? deficits, underfunded municipal pension To be sure, people getting into munis plans and rising interest rates today must be both intrepid have been kicking the teeth and careful. The market is exout of the municipal bond ceptionally volatile, buffeted market lately, with prices by credit concerns, interest plunging and yields soaring. rate worries and swings in And that’s got some contrarisupply. Still, for those in high ans saying that now may be the tax brackets, it’s hard to beat time to jump into the market. the returns. “This is a great time to get Municipal bonds are best suitinto munis for anyone looking ed to people in the highest federfor income in their portfolio,” al and state tax brackets. That’s said Mark R. DeMitry, senior MONEY because the interest earned on portfolio manager at the Op- MATTERS the bonds is exempt from federal penheimer Funds. “If you have By Kathy Kristof taxation, and, if you’re buying a long-term horizon and can bonds issued by the state in withstand the ups and downs of the market, which you live, they’re also exempt from state it seems like there’s a great opportunity.” tax. The higher your tax bracket, the more

valuable those exemptions can be. A 5 percent return is worth 9 percent to somebody paying 35 percent of their income in federal tax and 9.45 percent to the state, but it’s worth only about 6.7 percent to someone in the 25 percent federal tax bracket who pays little or no state income tax. So, should you consider buying municipal bonds? If so, what are the risks and how can you minimize them? Default risk: For small issues and some types of so-called revenue bonds, the biggest risk is default. While few experts expect general obligation bonds — those backed by the full credit of the state or municipality issuing them — to stop making payments to investors, bonds that were issued to finance stadiums and commercial developments look shaky,

said Marilyn Cohen, president of Envision Capital Management in Los Angeles. That’s because repayment is usually tied to the economic health of a project, and many of them are not doing as well as expected. On the other hand, general obligation bonds, which usually finance utility projects, airports and the like, are generally on solid ground, she said. “You have to know what you’re investing in,” Cohen said. “Look for bonds that finance necessities.” Interest rate risk: Another significant concern for bondholders is whether interest rates are on their way up. If interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds issued at relatively lower yields will fall. The See MUNI BONDS, page 7

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

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Learn more about the area’s housing options Check the boxes of communities from whom you would like to receive information and mail or fax this form. Washington D.C. ❏Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 24) ❏Methodist Home of D.C. (See ad on page 45)

Maryland ❏Asbury Methodist Village (See ad on page 18) ❏Brooke Grove (See ad on page 11) ❏Charter House (See ad on page 16) ❏Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 21) ❏Covenant Village (See ad on page 14) ❏Emerson House (See ad on page 14) ❏Homecrest House (See ad on page 32) ❏Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 14) ❏Park View at Bladensburg (See ad on page 10) ❏Park View at Columbia (See ad on page10) ❏Park View at Ellicott City (See ad on page 10) ❏Park View at Laurel (See ad on page 10) ❏Renaissance Gardens Riderwood (See ad on page 31) ❏Riderwood Village (See ad on page 16) ❏Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 14) ❏The Village at Rockville (See ad on page 22) ❏Willow Manor (See ad on page 15)

Virginia ❏Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 16) ❏Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 31) ❏Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 28) ❏Forest Glen (See ad on page 12) ❏Greenspring Village (See ad on page 16) ❏Olley Glen Retirement Community (See ad on page 20) ❏Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 14) ❏Renaissance Gardens Greenspring (See ad on page 31) ❏Sommerset (See ad on page 27) ❏The Virginian (See ad on back page) Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

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management is worth the price. The T. Rowe Price Maryland fund charges 0.47 percent of assets annually, and the Virginia fund charges 0.48 percent. The Maryland fund currently yields 4.6 percent, and the Virginia fund yields 4.5 percent. Both are federal-tax free and statetax free to residents. If you live in Washington, D.C., consider Fidelity Intermediate Term Municipal Bond fund (1-800-544-6666). It’s very similar in characteristics to the T. Rowe funds except it invests nationwide. (D.C. residents don’t pay state tax on the interest of any state’s municipal bonds.) Expenses are just 0.41 percent annually. There is risk in any investment. Bonds are not as safe as bank CDs, but are much less risky than stocks — and they provide steady income. Steven T. Goldberg is a freelance writer and investment advisor in Silver Spring, Md. You may call him at (301) 650-6567.

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By Steven T. Goldberg Investors have been fleeing tax-exempt municipal bonds, but the muni selloff has been overdone. It has pushed down muni prices in Maryland and Virginia — two of only a half-dozen states in the country with AAA credit ratings — to bargain levels. The T. Rowe Price Maryland Tax-Free Bond fund (1-800-638-5660) lost more than 6 percent from mid-November through early February. Ditto for the T. Rowe Price Virginia Tax-Free Bond fund. Bonds of many other states and localities are also at compelling prices. In today’s uncertain climate, I believe most people will do much better investing in a mutual fund rather than a fistful of individual bonds. A fund offers diversification, which minimizes the danger that an isolated default could seriously damage your nest egg. Plus, in today’s market, professional

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Why now’s a good time to seek dividends By Mark Jewell Glance at 2010 returns and it’s easy to see why mutual fund investors might be tempted to chase the stock market’s hot spots. Thinking small paid off big last year. Funds specializing in stocks of smaller companies gained an average of 23 percent, compared with 13.6 percent for largecap funds, according to Lipper Inc. But avoiding those big stocks could mean missing out on one of this year’s best

opportunities. There’s growing potential in dividends, and they’re more likely to be paid by larger companies. That’s because smaller companies generally reinvest profits in expanding their business. A couple of reasons why dividend investing is likely to pay off this year: An extension of the Bush-era tax cuts means Uncle Sam will continue treating dividend income favorably. And corporate America is sitting on hoards of cash. During an economic recov-

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ery, corporations will be more inclined to raise their dividend payouts. “Traditional dividend investing is back in style as investors look for total return, stability and income,” said Howard Silverblatt, a Standard & Poor’s analyst. “2010 was a very good turnaround year.” Yet there’s still a lot of ground to make up before payouts reach their pre-recession levels.

How dividends work Dividends are the quarterly distributions that companies pay to shareholders. In turn, mutual funds holding dividendpaying stocks pass that money on to their investors. Dividends are important because historically they make up more than 40 percent of the total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, with the rest coming from rising stock prices. Large-cap stocks — generally, those with market values of more than $3 billion, the cutoff for stocks in the S&P 500 — are the first place to look for dividends. About 75 percent of the stocks that make up the index pay dividends. Only 39 percent of smaller companies below the cutoff pay them. Here are six factors to watch: 1. A two-year tax holiday: For much of 2010, it appeared likely that taxes would rise on dividend income. Since 2003, dividend taxes have topped out at 15 percent. The extension of the Bush-era tax cuts means that historically low rate will remain for another two years. Without the tax deal signed into law last year, dividend investors in the top income bracket would have faced a rate of nearly 40 percent. For top earners, the extension means a savings of nearly a quarter on every dollar of dividend income they generate in a taxable account. Investors will save nearly $75 billion over two years, Silverblatt estimated. 2. Payouts expected to rise in 2011: The economic recovery is gaining strength, leaving companies more confident that they can afford to partially restore previous dividend levels. This comes after a tough two years when dividend investors took a huge hit as companies slashed and, in come cases, eliminated dividends to ride out the recession. Announcements of dividend increases rose 45 percent in 2010 compared with 2009. Instances of companies reducing payouts fell 82 percent, according to S&P. Silverblatt expects these trends to accelerate in 2011 as companies spend more of their recently expanded cash coffers. “Companies are going to move quickly to demonstrate that they are well into the recovery mode, and dividend increases

will be their early tool of choice to ensure that this happens,” he said. 3. Spring could be a bonanza: Companies are preparing to report 2010 financial results. With the uncertainty about dividend taxes settled for the next two years, expect a surge of announcements by companies planning to increase payouts in the spring. That could inspire investor confidence and lift stock prices, said Joanna Bewick, co-manager of the Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income Fund (FSDIX). Such announcements “send a long-term signal to investors, saying ‘We think we have a sustainable business model, and we can afford the dividend increase over the long term.’” 4. Dividends will recover, but slowly: Although the dividend outlook is improving, it’s important to maintain perspective. Dividend cuts were so deep following the stock market meltdown that Silverblatt expects it will be 2013 before payouts return to 2008 levels. And that’s only if the economy cooperates. One example: General Electric said in December it would boost its quarterly payout by 2 cents to 14 cents per share. Back in 2008, the payout was 31 cents per share. 5. Bank stocks will continue to lag: Stocks of large banks are traditionally big dividend payers. But the market meltdown changed that. Banks were hurt more than most stocks, because the recession was driven by subprime mortgage troubles and a credit-market freeze. They’re recovering more slowly than other areas of the economy — one reason why funds specializing in financial stocks posted the third-smallest average return in 2010 (11 percent) among 21 stock fund categories that Morningstar tracks. 6. Dividend income could complement bond income: Fear over rising interest rates has cut into bond returns and reduced the prices investors are willing to pay for many types of bonds. Key reasons include improving expectations for the economy, and fear of long-term inflation. Those factors make dividends potentially attractive to investors looking to trim bond holdings and find alternative income sources. Historically, Bewick said dividend-paying stocks have fared better than bonds during rising inflation. It’s one reason her $815 million fund has recently increased its stake in dividend-paying stocks, particularly energy stocks like top holding Exxon Mobil. In a slow economic recovery, typically steady dividend-paying stocks, “could make up a greater proportion of investors’ overall returns than in the past,” she said. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Stock market From page 4 zon.com, whose stock price has tripled since March 2009. But Jones doesn’t think many investors are willing to get back into those richly priced stocks. Many market pros are predicting another year of double-digit gains. They point to an abundance of positive economic indicators: factories cranking up production, hiring activity picking up, growing corporate investment in technology. Consumers also are more confident, thanks in part to the recent extension of the Bush-era tax cuts and a new cut in the Social Security payroll tax. If the market behaves like it has coming out of previous recessions, the S&P 500 could rise nearly 12 percent this year. That’s the average gain the index made in the one year immediately following this point in the economic cycle, a year and a half after the end of a recession. The analysis by Birinyi Associates examined market gains coming out of seven prior recessions.

Another positive: Corporate earnings are rising. Around mid-year, Bob Doll, chief stock strategist at BlackRock, the world’s biggest money management company. expects profits of S&P 500 companies will top the record high they reached in June 2007. He notes that more companies have recently been boosting their earnings projections than scaling them back.

ments such as money-market funds. “The numbers suggest a slow rebound for investor confidence in stocks,” said Strategic Insight’s Avi Nachmany. “But

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Muni bonds From page 4 best way to address that risk, Cohen said, is to keep durations relatively short. She said she’s buying only those bonds that repay investors in 10 years or less. Though shorter-duration bonds’ value will fall too if interest rates rise, they aren’t likely to fall as far. Flight risk: When you invest in munis through mutual funds, you also need to be worried about whether other investors will get spooked and flee. If they do, your bond fund manager will have to sell bonds, locking in losses, to raise the cash to pay off those investors. If you’re investing for long-term income, you might be better off buying individual bonds, Cohen said. That way the only emotional responses you need to worry about are your own. Tax wild card: Because municipal bonds are sold based on their taxable equivalent yield, what happens to the U.S. tax system is incredibly important to muni investors. With record federal budget deficits, many investors are expecting some sort of change to the tax code. But there’s no consensus about what it might be. One camp believes the government could raise taxes, which would make municipal bonds more valuable. The other thinks the government might follow the direction of President Obama’s deficit reduction panel, which recently recommended cutting tax rates and doing away with most deductions, credits and exemptions, such as the income tax exemption for municipal bond interest. That would savage muni values. Barring psychic revelation, muni investors can only ask themselves the “Dirty Harry” question: “Do you feel lucky?” Kathy M. Kristof welcomes your comments. E-mail kathykristof24@gmail.com © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

they’ll continue to buy bonds for the same reasons they bought them before: There’s an insatiable interest in income, and people are still scared.” — AP

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to avoid fees on checking accounts By Candice Choi First they took away free checking. Now banks are charging more for ATM withdrawals, stop payments on checks and other services. The encroaching fees on checking accounts come as the industry seeks ways to offset the impact of new regulations that limit key revenue sources. Most notably, banks are bracing for a cap on the fees they can collect from merchants whenever customers swipe their debit cards. Some estimate that the Federal Reserve’s proposed restriction could slash this income by as much as 70 percent, or about $14 billion a year, once it goes into effect this summer. Banks are also prohibited from automatically enrolling customers in overdraft programs, which have been an increasingly rich source of penalty-fee income. To make up for the losses, banks are quietly raising or introducing new account fees. But a sharp eye can help you avoid them. Here are five ways to dodge fees on your checking account. 1. Pick the right account If you don’t pay close attention to notices from your bank, you may not realize if there’s been a change in the lineup of accounts and their features.

At Citi, for example, customers who maintained a minimum balance of $1,500 previously enjoyed free checking. Now customers who sign up for the most basic checking account have to make at least five transactions a month to get an $8 monthly fee waived. Even if your bank hasn’t changed its menu of options, keep your eyes peeled. The industry is still feeling out ways to adjust to the new regulations. Bank of America, for example, is testing checking accounts with fees ranging from $6 to $25. The trial is limited to three states but is expected to go national sometime next year. 2. Watch out for service fees Don’t be surprised if you see new charges for services that were once free, or hikes in existing fees. Take for example a check you deposit that ends up bouncing. In the past, it may have caused a headache, but at least it didn’t result in a penalty fee. But Bank of America recently started charging $12 for each deposited check that doesn’t clear. Statements that include check images are no longer free either. They now cost $3. Chase customers are looking at a spate of fee hikes, too. If a deposited check doesn’t clear, it will cost $12, up from $10. A stop payment will cost $34, up from $32.

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Domestic wire transfers will cost $30, up from $25, and online wire transfers will be $25, up from $20. Such fees don’t get a lot of attention because most customers don’t incur them regularly. But being aware can help inform your decisions and ensure you’re not caught off guard. 3. Don’t get robbed at the ATM A trip to the ATM could cost more if you’re not careful. To start, it might be better to print your statement at home. Bank of America is now charging $3 if customers print an account summary at an ATM, up from $2. Chase recently began charging customers $1 to print recent account transactions. And the cost of using another bank’s ATM isn’t getting any cheaper. Not only will your own bank ding you, but so will the ATM operator. The combined cost for getting cash was almost $4 on average, according to a Bankrate.com survey conducted last fall. Banks have already raised fees since that study came out. In November, Citi raised the fee for using another bank’s ATM from $1.50 to $2 for customers with entry-level accounts. At Chase, customers who use an ATM while overseas will be charged $5 starting next month, up from $3. 4. Tune in and opt out One of the fastest ways to rack up fees is by overdrawing your account. Now at least you can prevent that costly mistake by turning off the ability to do so. This wasn’t an option before July of last year, when it was industry standard to automatically enroll customers in overdraft

programs — often with no way to opt out. Now that customers must be given a choice, banks are touting lower penalty fees to try and entice enrollment. But keep in mind that fees are still as high as $39 per violation. And if you don’t notice that you’ve overdrawn your account, you can quickly rack up hundreds of dollars in fees without realizing it. That’s even if you overdraw your account by just a few dollars at a time. If you opt out, on the other hand, the worst you’ll suffer is some momentary embarrassment when your transaction is denied at the register. 5. Take the money and run If you’re still not satisfied with your checking account, start shopping for a new place to park your cash. Even though banks are pulling back, free checking is still widely available; 65 percent of checking accounts last year were free, according to Bankrate.com. When factoring in accounts that offer fee waivers, that number rose to 88 percent. So it might take some homework and a closer examination of your spending habits, but you should be able to find plenty of free checking options. If it’s service fees you’re worried about, banks sometimes waive certain fees for customers who keep higher balances. So consolidating your deposits — CDs, checking and savings accounts — at a single bank is worth considering. Another option is to check out smaller community banks or credit unions, which may offer more favorable terms and a more intimate level of service. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Accounts to protect money for your heirs Among the many reasons people put significant sums in FDIC-insured bank deposits is to keep that money safe for themselves and for their heirs. This article describes different types of deposit accounts that can be used to pass funds on to heirs and explains how to make sure your money is fully insured should your bank fail.

Types of revocable trusts Some of the most popular deposits for estate-planning purposes are “revocable trust accounts.” These trusts are called “revocable” because, unlike other types of trust accounts, the depositor has the right to change the terms of the inheritance or cancel the trust agreement entirely. You most likely know these accounts by other names. Here are the two main types: 1. Payable-on-death accounts Payable-on-death (POD) accounts, also referred to as “in-trust-for” accounts, are trust deposits that typically can be set up at a bank with a simple, written declaration in the bank’s records that upon the death of the depositor, the named beneficiaries will become the new owners of the money. If properly titled, a traditional certificate of deposit (CD), savings account or even a checking account can be set up as a POD account. Because of their simplicity, the FDIC sometimes refers to PODs as “informal” revocable trust accounts. “A payable-on-death account is usually established when the owner’s estate planning is simple — with the sole objective of leaving a specified amount of cash to a beneficiary,” said Martin Becker, an FDIC senior deposit insurance specialist. “If the owner wants to name multiple beneficiaries on a single POD account, each beneficiary typically receives an equal share or amount of the funds when the account owner dies.” 2. Living trust accounts These accounts are deposits tied to a legal document, typically called a living trust or a family trust, which is often drafted by an attorney. The FDIC describes these accounts as “formal” revocable trust deposits.

“Formal revocable trusts provide more detailed information about how the owner’s estate is to be distributed,” Becker explained. “For example, formal trust agreements can be used to describe special conditions that need to be met for a beneficiary to receive funds, and in situations in which the allocations to beneficiaries are unequal or complex.” For various reasons, living trusts may not be for everyone. Having a living trust prepared can be expensive, and sometimes the potential benefits may not outweigh the costs, especially depending on your state’s inheritance laws and your financial situation. In contrast, “the simplicity of the payable-on-death account makes it the most common type of revocable trust account,” said FDIC supervisory counsel Joe DiNuzzo. “A POD account has no trust agreement — the only documentation is in the bank records on which the owner designates the beneficiaries.” Also, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that some people and businesses have exaggerated or misrepresented the benefits of living trusts, often in advertisements or seminars, to sell trusts or other products to people who don’t need them. Under FDIC rules, a depositor’s combined interests in all revocable trust accounts at the same bank are insured up to $250,000 for each unique beneficiary named. And a beneficiary can be a relative, friend, charity or nonprofit. That means a revocable trust account is insured for up to $250,000 if there is one beneficiary, $500,000 if there are two, and so on up to $1.25 million for five different beneficiaries — regardless of how much money each beneficiary is to receive. And if two depositors own the account(s), the insured amounts would be doubled, up to $2.5 million. However, Becker noted, if there are six or more different beneficiaries that are to receive different shares from such an account, the deposit insurance rules change and become more complex. In those situations, he recommends calling toll-free 1MetLife Bank

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Other accounts, other coverage Three other types of insured bank accounts can also help transfer funds to heirs: 1. Jointly owned accounts with no beneficiaries listed. In the most common examples, these would be checking accounts, savings accounts or CDs that two or more people own. Typically, there is a “right of survivorship,” so if one of them dies, the survivor(s) will automatically become the sole owner(s) of the funds. Under the insurance rules, each person’s share in all joint accounts with no beneficiaries is protected up to $250,000, separately from other accounts at the same institution. So if a husband and wife have joint accounts at a bank and there are no beneficiaries named, that money is cov-

ered up to $500,000. It’s also important to remember that the FDIC defines a joint account as being owned by two or more people with no named beneficiaries. Joint accounts are separately insured from accounts that are co-owned but do have beneficiaries, which are considered revocable trust accounts and are insured as described above. What happens to the insurance coverage of a joint account if one of the owners dies? The FDIC will continue to insure the joint account for up to six more months as if the deceased co-owner were still alive. The grace period is intended to give the survivor time, if necessary, to ensure that all of the funds are fully insured by restructuring the accounts or moving some funds to another insured bank. 2. Irrevocable trust accounts These accounts are tied to trust agreeSee BANK ACCOUNTS, page 10

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Rising interest rates would benefit retirees By Mark Miller Ultra-low interest rates brought on by the 2008 financial crisis have been great for borrowers, but they’ve been a nightmare for retirees who depend on low-risk yield on savings to meet living expenses. Over the past several years, many retirees living on fixed incomes have been forced to cut expenses, eat into principal, or rely on higher-risk fixed income investments or stocks. “Low rates have helped the economy to stabilize,” said Barry Glassman, president of Glassman Wealth Services. “It’s been good for the banks, housing and the federal government, which has a lot of debt. But that benefit has been at the expense of retirees.” But Glassman thinks the recent rise in interest rates is just the start of a period of substantially higher rates.

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“We’re coming to an end, in the near term, of the Fed artificially keeping rates low. And high deficits mean the supply of debt from the government won’t stop — but demand from the Fed to buy it will. “That means we’ll see interest rates heading higher — not into the stratosphere, but a plateau higher than we’re at today. It could take 18 to 24 months, or it could happen in six months,“ Glassman predicted.

On balance, a good thing The recent jump in rates has meant a rout in the value of bonds and some bond funds. But Glassman argues that the longer-term trend will be positive for retirees. “Retirement could be saved for a lot of people if long-term certificates of deposit get to 5 percent sometime in the next two years,” he said.

“If retirees can earn 5 percent with very low risk, that will be very competitive with a higher-risk option like stocks. At that interest rate, there will be a huge wave of demand from retirees who will want to lock in at that rate for 10 years. They’ll take money out of money markets and the stock market to do it.” The financial stress retirees have been coping with isn’t limited to interest rates, of course. The erosion of traditional defined benefit pensions means that just 20 percent of private sector workers can count on monthly pension income. And Social Security is replacing a smaller percentage of income due to the increasing full retirement age implemented in 1983, rising Medicare Part B premium deductions, and more Social Security income becoming subject to income tax. Inflation also poses a big threat to re-

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!FFORDABLE ,OCATIONS 3ERVICES

tirees. Social Security hasn’t paid a cost-ofliving adjustment for the past two years and its formula doesn’t recognize the higher rates of medical inflation experienced by seniors. Near-zero interest rates on money market funds and certificates of deposit exacerbate inflation’s impact. But if Glassman is right, we could be on the verge of a significant shift in the investment landscape as the baby boomer age wave accelerates and demand for low-risk investments accelerates. As Glassman puts it: “Five percent is the new eight percent.” What will higher rates mean for housing? Not much, Glassman argued. He thinks most people who can refinance their mortgages have already done so. And the government can’t keep rates at ultra-low levels indefinitely in hopes that housing will recover. “Housing’s recovery will be much more sensitive to employment than interest rates,” he said. “Getting the jobless rate down will do more for housing than anything else.” Mark Miller is the author of The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work and Living (John Wiley & Sons/Bloomberg Press, June 2010). Subscribe to Mark’s free weekly eNewsletter at http://retirementrevised.com/enews. Contact: mark@retirementrevised.com. © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Bank accounts From page 9

% Affordable Living For Those 62 or Better %

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:Xcc +('$)+-$.+00 fi <dX`c J\e`fiC`mè^7j_\ck\iîg%Zfd kf èhlì\ XYflk \c`^`Y`c`kp i\hlì\d\ekj Xe[ kf XiiXe^\ X gi`mXk\ kfli% Professionally managed by The Shelter Group. www.thesheltergroup.com The Shelter Group is committed to Equal Housing Opportunities for people of all races, religions, ethnic groups, and disabilities and all other groups protected by federal, state, or local law.

ments that the owner cannot cancel or change. Their insurance coverage usually totals no more than the basic FDIC insurance limit ($250,000) because of contingencies in the trust agreements. An example might be that children listed as beneficiaries cannot receive any money until they earn a college degree. Note: You may also have insured revocable and irrevocable trust accounts at the same bank. The revocable trust accounts would be insured up to $250,000 for each eligible beneficiary, as described above, while irrevocable trusts with at least one named beneficiary would be separately insured up to $250,000. 3. Certain retirement accounts Other accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Keogh accounts (for the self-employed) and “401(k)” accounts can have named beneficiaries. However, under the FDIC’s rules, a person’s deposits in these retirement accounts at the same bank are added together and insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per owner per bank. These accounts — unlike POD and living trust accounts — do not qualify for extra coverage by adding the names of beneficiaries. Adapted from the Fall 2010 edition of “FDIC Consumer News.”

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Living Well Seminar Series Focuses on Brain Health B

rooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) launched this year’s Living Well Community Seminar Series in February with the first of four free sessions on the subject of Brain Health. The series continues with March, April and May seminars presented by Michael Patterson, founder of mindRAMP & Associates and chair of the Research Committee for the National Center for Creative Aging. On Wednesday, March 23, Mr. Patterson will address what, specifically, can be done to keep brains healthy and fit with a program entitled “The Six Cogwheels of Brain Health.” There are six key areas of behavior that can have a profound effect on the future health of the brain: physical and mental exercise, social engagement, stress management, diet and sleep. How do they affect the health and functioning of the brain? Learn what you can do — right now — to improve these key “cogwheels of brain health.” “New Approaches to Preventing and Treating Cognitive Decline and Dementia” will be the focus of the Wednesday, April 20, seminar. According to Mr. Patterson, “We need to change our thinking about dementia and old age! The old approach says that dementia is inevitable if you live long enough. It says there is

no way to treat dementia once you get it. Wrong!” Learn about the risk factors associated with cognitive decline and how to avoid them. Discover innovative approaches to treating dementia and Alzheimer’s that focus on enhancing quality of life. A seminar on “Creative Aging: supper beginning at 6:30 p.m. 301-924-2811, option 3, or Building Stronger Brains with Please RSVP to BGRV Director tdavis@bgf.org by the Monday Creativity” is scheduled for of Marketing Toni Davis at prior to each seminar. Wednesday, May 18. “The human brain is wired for creativity,” explains Mr. Patterson. “When we think creatively, we strengthen our brains. When we become complacent and limit creativity, ❒ I would like to know more about Brooke Grove Retirement Village. our brains diminish. Use it or lose ❒ I would like to know more about Brooke Grove’s Memory it!” Explore how creativity Support Program. Please reserve my seat for “The Six Cogwheels of Brain Health” exercises and strengthens the ❒ seminar on March 23. brain and how creativity may be Please reserve my seat for the "New Approaches to Preventing and ❒ the secret to successful aging. Treating Cognitive Decline and Dementia" seminar on April 20. Each of these free, monthly Please reserve my seat for the “Creative Aging: Building Stronger ❒ Brains with Creativity” seminar on May 18. presentations will be held from Name: 7 to 8 p.m. in the terrace level Address: conference room of Brooke City, State, Zip: Grove Rehabilitation and Daytime Phone: Nursing Center, located at 18131 TB3/11 Please mail this coupon to: Brooke Grove Retirement Village, Slade School Road on BGRV’s Attn: Community Relations, 18100 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, Maryland, Sandy Spring, MD 20860. campus. Seminars will be Phone: 301-924-2811. Fax: 301-924-1200. Web: www.bgf.org preceded by a complimentary lite

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Medicare home health may require co-pay By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Medicare recipients could see a sizable new out-of-pocket charge for home health visits if Congress follows through on a recommendation issued by its own advisory panel. Until now, home health visits from nurses and other providers have been free of

charge to patients. But the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission says a copayment is needed to discourage overuse of a service whose cost to taxpayers is nearing $20 billion a year amid concerns that fraudsters are also taking advantage. The panel did not prescribe an amount, but its staff has suggested the charge be

BEACON BITS

Mar. 17

MARYLAND LEGISLATION

$150 for a series of related visits. Medicare requires co-pays for many other services, so home health has been the exception, not the rule. Defying opposition by AARP, the congressionally appointed commission voted 13-1 to recommend that lawmakers impose the new charge. Two commissioners abstained and one was absent.

Balancing the budget

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler will discuss upcoming legislation before the Maryland General Assembly at a meeting of Seniors Organized for Change on Thursday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Ring House, 1801 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, Md. The event is free, but if you wish to stay for lunch afterward at noon, you must prepay $5. To make a reservation, call Debby Sokobin at (301) 348-3760.

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The advice comes as lawmakers face a tough budget year. A sluggish economy and tax cuts are draining revenue while deficits soar to ranges widely seen as unsustainable. Republicans won control of the House on a promise to curb spending, yet there’s little hope of that unless Congress and the president can agree on ways to restrain healthcare costs. More than 3 million seniors and disabled people on Medicare use home health services — visits from nurses, personal care attendants and therapists, available to those who can’t easily get out of the house. Home health was once seen as a cost saver, since it’s clearly cheaper than admitting patients to the hospital. But it’s been flagged as a budget problem because of rapidly increasing costs and big differ-

ences in how communities around the country use the benefit.

Curbing fraud Part of the problem appears to be rampant fraud. In some counties home health admissions exceed the number of residents on Medicare. Several commissioners said they worried about the impact of a new charge on seniors with modest incomes. Numerous studies have shown that even small co-payments can discourage patients from getting medical services. The charge would be collected for each home health agency admission, not for every visit by a nurse or provider. Patients can be under home healthcare for weeks at a time. The recommendation exempts low-income patients, whose co-payments would be covered by Medicaid, as well as those just discharged from the hospital. Still, more than 30 million beneficiaries in traditional Medicare would be directly subject to the fee. Repercussions for seniors in private Medicare Advantage plans are uncertain. The commission was created by Congress to provide unbiased expert advice on complicated issues of Medicare benefits and financing. It’s also known as MedPAC. — AP

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Income qualified Seniors 65 years of age and over pay only $1.00 per month, plus applicable taxes and surcharges.

THE POLITICS OF AGING

The Aspen Hill Chapter of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association) will meet on Wednesday, March 23, to hear a talk titled “The Politics of Aging” by Laura Feldman, a grassroots organizer for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare for 20 years. The talk will be given at the Holiday Park Multiservice Senior Center at 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, Md., from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., and is open to everyone. For additional information, contact Nancy Leonard at (301) 871-2995.

Mar. 12

HOW TO GET AROUND ON METRO

Learn about a free training program that teaches people with impaired sight and other disabilities how to travel independently on Metro rail and bus, as well as recent changes in paying for MetroAccess services. Come to this Macular Degeneration Network meeting on Saturday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Renaissance Building, Room 2, 5275 Loughboro Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. To register, call (202) 364-7602.

For additional information on how to qualify, please contact The District Department of the Environment/Energy Office on 311. FY 2010 Income Eligibility Guidelines:

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Maximum Annual Income $16,245 $21,855 $27,465 $33,075 $38,685 $44,295 $49,905 $55,515

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Health Fitness &

SAVE ON PRESCRIPTIONS Consider older drugs, don’t take samples, go generic and buy in bulk STAYING FIT AT ANY AGE Simple changes in your routine can help you stay fit as you age DO-IT-YOURSELF DIALYSIS Performing dialysis at home requires training, but offers many benefits HOPE FOR HEPATITIS C Boomers are at risk for this silent infection that slowly attacks the liver

Blood test for cancer is becoming reality By Marilynn Marchione A blood test so sensitive that it can spot a single cancer cell lurking among a billion healthy ones is moving one step closer to being available at your doctor’s office. Boston scientists who invented the test, and healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson, announced in January that they are joining forces to bring it to market. Four big cancer centers also will start studies using the experimental test this year. Stray cancer cells in the blood mean that a tumor has spread or is likely to, many doctors believe. A test that can capture such cells has the potential to transform care for many types of cancer, especially breast, prostate, colon and lung. Initially, doctors want to use the test to try to predict what treatments would be best for each patient’s tumor and find out quickly if they are working. “This is like a liquid biopsy” that avoids painful tissue sampling and may give a better way to monitor patients than periodic imaging scans, said Dr. Daniel Haber, chief of Massachusetts General Hospital’s cancer center and one of the test’s inventors. Ultimately, the test may offer a way to

screen for cancer besides the mammograms, colonoscopies and other less-thanideal methods used now. “There’s a lot of potential here, and that’s why there’s a lot of excitement,” said Dr. Mark Kris, lung cancer chief at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He had no role in developing the test, but Sloan-Kettering is one of the sites that will study it this year.

Would aid treatment decisions Many people have their cancers diagnosed through needle biopsies. These often do not provide enough of a sample to determine what genes or pathways control a tumor’s growth. Or the sample may no longer be available by the time the patient gets sent to a specialist to decide what treatment to prescribe. Doctors typically give a drug or radiation treatment and then do a CT scan two months later to look for tumor shrinkage. Some patients only live long enough to try one or two treatments, so a test that can gauge success sooner, by looking at cancer cells in the blood, could give patients more options. “If you could find out quickly, ‘this drug

is working, stay on it,’ or ‘this drug is not working, try something else,’ that would be huge,” Haber said. The only test on the market now to find tumor cells in blood — CellSearch, made by J&J’s Veridex unit — just gives a cell count. It doesn’t capture whole cells that doctors can analyze to choose treatments. Interest in trying to collect these cells soared in 2007, after Haber and his colleagues published a study of Mass General’s test. It is far more powerful than CellSearch and traps cells intact. It requires only a couple of teaspoons of blood and can be done repeatedly to monitor treatment or determine why a drug has stopped working and what to try next. “That’s what got the scientific community’s interest,” Kris said. Doctors can give a drug one day and sample blood the next day to see if the circulating tumor cells are gone, he explained.

Finding one in a billion The test uses a microchip that resembles a lab slide covered in 78,000 tiny posts, like bristles on a hairbrush. The posts are coated with antibodies that bind to tumor cells.

When blood is forced across the chip, cells ping off the posts like balls in a pinball machine. The cancer cells stick, and stains make them glow so researchers can count and capture them for study. The test can find one cancer cell in a billion or more healthy cells, said Mehmet Toner, a Harvard University bioengineer who helped design it. Researchers know this because they spiked blood samples with cancer cells and then searched for them with the chip. Studies of the chip have been published in the journals Nature, the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine. It is the most promising of several dozen that companies and universities are rushing to develop to capture circulating tumor cells, said Bob McCormack, technology chief for Veridex. The companies will start a research center at Mass General and will have rights to license the test from the hospital, which holds the patents. In a separate effort, Mass General, Sloan-Kettering, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and See CANCER TEST, page 14

This is your brain on drugs or…music? By Malcolm Ritter Whether it’s the Beatles or Beethoven, people like music for the same reason they like eating or having sex: It makes the brain release a chemical that gives pleasure, a new study says. The brain substance is involved both in anticipating a particularly thrilling musical moment and in feeling the rush from it, researchers found. Previous work had already suggested a role for dopamine — a substance brain cells release to communicate with each other. But the new work, which scanned people’s brains as they listened to music, shows it happening directly. While dopamine normally helps us feel the pleasure of eating or having sex, it also helps produce euphoria from illegal drugs. It’s active in particular circuits of the brain.

Why music is “universal language” The tie to dopamine helps explain why

music is so widely popular across cultures, according to authors Robert Zatorre and Valorie Salimpoor of McGill University in Montreal, writing online in the journal Nature Neuroscience. The study used only instrumental music, showing that voices aren’t necessary to produce the dopamine response, Salimpoor said. It will take further work to study how voices might contribute to the pleasure effect, she said. The researchers described brain-scanning experiments with eight volunteers who were chosen because they reliably felt chills from particular moments in some favorite pieces of music. That characteristic let the experimenters study how the brain handles both anticipation and arrival of a musical rush. Results suggested that people who enjoy music but don’t feel chills are also experiencing dopamine’s effects, Zatorre said.

PET scans showed the participants’ brains pumped out more dopamine in a region called the striatum when listening to favorite pieces of music than when hearing other pieces. Functional MRI scans showed where and when those releases happened. Dopamine surged in one part of the striatum during the 15 seconds leading up to a thrilling moment, and a different part when that musical highlight finally arrived.

Happy anticipation Zatorre said that makes sense: The area linked to anticipation connects with parts of the brain involved with making predictions and responding to the environment, while the area reacting to the peak moment itself is linked to the brain’s limbic system, which is involved in emotion. The study volunteers chose a wide range of music — from classical and jazz to

punk, tango and even bagpipes. The most popular were Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” the second movement of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” and Debussy’s “Claire de Lune.” Since they already knew the musical pieces they listened to, it wasn’t possible to tell whether the anticipation reaction came from memory or the natural feel people develop for how music unfolds, Zatorre said. That question is under study, too. Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, an expert on music and the brain at Harvard Medical School, called the study “remarkable” for the combination of techniques it used. While experts had indirect indications that music taps into the dopamine system, he said, the new work “really nails it.” Music isn’t the only cultural experience that affects the brain’s reward circuitry. Other researchers recently showed a link when people studied artwork. — AP

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Cancer test From page 13 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston will start using the test this year. They are one of the “dream teams” sharing a $15 million grant from the Stand Up to Cancer telethon, run by the American Association for Cancer Research. Already, scientists have been surprised to find that more cancer patients harbor these stray cells than has been believed. In one study, the test was used on men thought to have cancer confined to the prostate, “but we found these cells in twothirds of patients,” Toner said. This might mean that cancer cells enter the blood soon after a tumor starts, or that more cancers have already spread but are unseen by doctors. Or it could mean something else entirely, because researchers have much to learn about these cells, said Dr. Minetta Liu, a breast cancer specialist at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. She led a session on them at last year’s San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and has been a paid speaker for Veridex. She hopes the cells will someday aid cancer screening. “The dream is, a woman comes in for her mammogram and gets a tube of blood

drawn,” so doctors can look for cancer cells in her blood as well as tumors on the imaging exam, she said. That’s still far off, but Mass General’s test already is letting doctors monitor patients without painful biopsies. Like Greg Vrettos, who suffered a collapsed lung from a biopsy in 2004, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. “It had spread to both lungs and they couldn’t operate,” said Vrettos, 63, a nonsmoker and retired electrical engineer from Durham, N.H. Tests from the biopsy showed that he was a good candidate for the drug Iressa, which he has taken ever since. He goes to Boston every three months for CT scans and the blood test. “They could look at the number of cancer cells and see that it dropped over time. It corresponded with what the scans were showing,” Vrettos said of doctors looking at his blood tests. The test also showed when he had a setback last January and needed to have his treatment adjusted. “I think it’s going to be revolutionary,” he said of the test. For more information on the test from Mass General, see http://tinyurl.com/ 2e7tbuz. Information on it from the National Cancer Institute is available at http:// tinyurl.com/28tbow5 and http:// tinyurl.com/ 2557mw6. — AP

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

tation from Zeina Hamra, dietician for Surgical Associates and Virginia Hospital Center. The free lecture will be held at 601 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, Va. on Friday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to noon. Call (703) 558-6859 to register.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Five ways to save money at the pharmacy By Dr. Kenny Lin With our nation still mired in a deep recession, many of us are having a tough time paying for prescription drugs — especially those for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In fact, a Consumer Reports survey last year found that 28 percent of Americans have taken drastic steps to cut costs, like not filling their prescriptions, skipping dosages, and cutting pills in half without getting their doctor’s approval. There are, however, far safer approaches for saving money on prescription medications. Try these strategies: 1. Don’t assume new drugs are superior. Prescription drugs aren’t like software and cell phones. Newer versions aren’t necessarily better and may occasionally be inferior to older and less expensive pills. While prescription Clarinex for seasonal allergies is more expensive than over-thecounter Claritin, studies suggest it’s no more effective. And prescription Nexium can be a pricey way to treat acid reflux when most heartburn sufferers can get substantial relief from cheaper, generic omeprazole. I also remember how excited doctors were about Vioxx for arthritis pain; we quickly switched patients away from ibuprofen, since Vioxx was thought to be easier on the stomach, but later regretted it when Vioxx was withdrawn from the market after being linked to heart attacks

and strokes. 2. Avoid your doctor’s sample closet. Most family practices have a “sample closet” stocked with freebies of brandname prescription drugs for common conditions from high blood pressure and diabetes to asthma and allergies. When I was in training, I often gave financiallystrapped patients who were starting a new medication a month’s supply of samples instead of a prescription. Although it seemed like a money-saving idea at the time, it wasn’t long before the samples ran out and my patients were left with the choice of paying for an expensive medication or switching to a less expensive drug they hadn’t tried before. A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that practices that distributed free drug samples ultimately cost their patients an average of $7 more per prescription each month than practices that did not give out samples. 3. Go generic when possible. When your doctor suggests that you need a new medication, ask if it’s possible to prescribe a less costly or generic alternative that might be equally effective for your particular condition. Many pharmacies and discount chains offer a month’s supply of generic medications for $4 or a 90-day supply for $10. If you’re taking more than one medication for a condition, like high blood pressure, you might be able to cut costs by getting a generic pill that combines the two

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medications. 4. Ask about drug discount plans. If you don’t have insurance coverage for prescription drugs, some pharmaceutical companies, as well as local and state government agencies, offer sizeable discounts on frequently prescribed medications for people who meet certain financial requirements. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, ask about the Together Rx Access program offered by drug companies. (See www.TogetherRxAccess.com.)

5. Buy in bulk. If you’ve been taking a medication for three months or more, consider buying several months’ supply in bulk via mail order. The website www. PharmacyChecker.com provides a useful tool for comparing drug prices among reputable online pharmacies. Patients should check with their doctors before going this route, just in case their doctor is planning to make alterations in dosing or frequency. © 2011 U.S. News and World Report

Smallest, lightest solution for hearing loss – now being tested The revolutionary 100% digital True™, which uses the latest technology to comfortably and almost invisibly help you hear better, is currently being tested. During the in-office trial, you will be fit with the True™ and asked to evaluate: 1. Sound quality 2. In-ear comfort 3. Cosmetic appearance

Pre-Trial Questionnaire Name: ___________________ Participants are needed for the in-office trial from March 21-25, 2011. Please complete this brief questionnaire and a licensed specialist will review it with you during your appointment. Appointment Date:_________ Time:_____________________ Do you have difficulty Yes hearing in noisy situations, like restaurants? ❏ Are certain voice types difficult to understand, specifically women’s and children’s voices? ❏ Do you hear sounds, but have trouble distinguishing words? ❏ Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves frequently? ❏

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Do glasses make your eyesight worse? By Dr. Stephen Taylor Q. I’m starting to have trouble reading. But I’ve heard that wearing glasses to help me read will make my eyesight worse. Is that true? A. This is a common question. Many people believe that glasses can make eyesight worse, but that’s more myth than reality. Many of us start to have trouble reading in our mid-40s. The condition is called presbyopia (pronounced prez-bee-OH-peeah), and it is the natural loss of the focusing ability of the lens of the eye. The lens is about the size of a shirt button. Because it can change shape, we are able to see objects that are close or far away. The closer the object, the more the lens has

to “flex” to bring the object into focus. With age, though, the lens slowly grows larger and thicker. As it grows, the many tiny ligaments that connect the lens to the ciliary, or “focusing,” muscle in the eye become slack. When that happens, those ligaments (called zonules) cannot exert enough force on the lens to bend it into the position necessary to see things clearly up close. The lens also hardens and becomes less flexible, compounding the problem. Exercising the ciliary muscles so they could pull harder on the lens would seem logical, but these muscles don’t get appreciably weaker with age. Even if eye exercises could strengthen the ciliary muscles,

they wouldn’t have much effect.

Why blame glasses? There are two reasons people wrongly blame glasses for worsening presbyopic vision. First, the underlying condition worsens during the period when they start wearing reading glasses, so they associate the glasses with declining vision. Second, they get used to seeing near objects well when wearing reading glasses, so when they take them off, their vision seems to have gotten worse. They blame the reading glasses, when they’re really just experiencing the contrast between corrected and uncorrected vision. People do learn to cope with bad eyesight. The brain learns how to interpret blurry images and make educated guesses. If glasses make it easier for you to see well, your brain may get out of practice doing the tricks it learned to do to cope with poor eyesight. But that’s not the same thing as glasses making your eyesight worse.

Situation differs in children Whether glasses worsen presbyopia is a settled issue. They don’t. But it’s not as clearcut when it comes to childhood myopia, or nearsightedness (a term that causes confusion: it means your sight is good for near

things and bad for things in the distance). The National Eye Institute has reported that the prevalence of myopia has increased by 66 percent since 1980, and this increase has prompted many studies aimed at understanding the cause of myopia. Myopia causes distant objects to be blurry because the eye grows too long, so the focal point of the lens ends up in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The condition usually develops in childhood and gradually worsens until eye growth slows down in early adulthood. Myopia is largely genetic, but the progression of the condition may be influenced by environmental factors, such as the stress of focusing on near objects when reading. For some children, this stress on the focusing system may cause their eyes to grow, and hence their myopia increases at a much faster rate. Bifocals may be able to reduce that stress. A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology in January 2010 showed that children wearing them had a 58 percent slower rate of progression of myopia, compared with children who wore traditional glasses with regular lenses that corrected for nearsightedness. That study confirmed findings from an See EYEGLASSES, page 18

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Introducing Seniority. A single word. A whole new generation of medicine. Holy Cross Hospital’s new concept of care for a new generation of older adults: active, independent and informed. Seniority is: The nation’s first Seniors Emergency Center, with specialized care in a private, quiet environment. A Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center that keeps families close to patients and allows extra time to recover. A host of special services from fitness and wellness to virtual visiting and home-based programs.

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Health Shorts You probably need more potassium Most of us could use more special K in our diets. Not the cereal, the mineral — potassium — which the periodic table of elements lists as “K.” The average American gets barely half of the potassium needed each day to keep blood pressure in check and maintain healthy blood vessels, nerves, muscles and bones. Dutch researchers estimate that increasing the average intake to the recommended target of 4,700 milligrams (mg.) a day would lower the risk of dying from stroke by as much as 15 percent and from heart disease by as much as 11 percent. Those reductions are in line with what we could get from cutting back on sodium.

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Doing both at once could really make a difference. You don’t need pills to get more potassium. Eating more vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods can do the trick. Potassium content in common foods: • Potato with skin, baked (1 medium): Potassium 1,081 mg. • Halibut, baked (4 ounces): Potassium 654 mg. • Plain yogurt, skim milk (1 cup): Potassium 579 mg. • Raisins (½ cup): Potassium 543 mg. • Banana (medium): Potassium 451 mg. • Cantaloupe (¼ medium): Potassium 427 mg. • Spinach, cooked (½ cup): Potassium 419 mg. • Tomato sauce (½ cup): Potassium 405 mg. • Milk, low-fat, 1 percent (1 cup): Potassium 366 mg. • Lentils, cooked (½ cup): Potassium 365 mg.

• Kidney beans, cooked (½ cup): Potassium 356 mg. • Prune juice (4 ounces): Potassium 353 mg. • Raisin Bran cereal (1 cup): Potassium 346 mg. • Orange (1 medium): Potassium 261 mg. • Winter squash, cooked (½ cup): Potassium 247 mg. — U.S. News and World Report

Implanted device lowers blood pressure Exercise, diet changes and three or four pills aren’t enough to bring blood pressure under control for some people with hypertension. But a pacemaker-like device called the Rheos system, made by Minneapolisbased CVRx, could someday offer extra

help for fighting resistant hypertension. The device works with the body’s baroreceptors. These are sensors that continually monitor blood pressure from their posts on each carotid artery in the neck. When blood pressure rises, the baroreceptors send messages to the brain. It responds by sending signals that lower blood pressure. The opposite happens when the baroreceptors and brain detect low blood pressure. The Rheos device is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. Thin wires stretch from it to the baroreceptors, and the device sends pulses of electricity to them, stimulating the baroreceptors to send extra “high pressure” signals to the brain. The brain responds by telling the heart to slow down and blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. In a European clinical trial, use of the deSee HEALTH SHORTS, page 19

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earlier one that showed a similar but more modest benefit from wearing bifocals. Meanwhile, some other studies have suggested that specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses may also slow myopic progression. There isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend that children with myopia wear bifocals or special contact lenses. Myopia is a very complex condition, and as the results of more well-designed studies get reported, we may be able to figure out a way to alter the course of this increasingly common form of visual impairment. © 2011 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Mar. 10

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HELP FOR OSTOMY PATIENTS

The Metro Maryland Ostomy Association meets each month, publishes a newsletter and provides trained visitors to provide support for people with ostomies. For more information, call (301) 346-6661.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Are consumer DNA tests helpful or hurtful?

Health shorts From page 18 vice for one year lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading) an average of 30 points and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) by 20 points, and slowed the participants’ heart rate by 8 beats per minute on average. Preliminary results from a larger U.S. trial showed similar substantial reductions in blood pressure, with 56 percent of participants meeting their blood pressure goals. Data from the U.S. trial could determine whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the Rheos system for resistant hypertension in the U.S. — U.S. News and World Report

Consumers who get their DNA tested for health risks take the results in stride, says the first major study of how people react to commercial genetic testing. But getting that assessment for a bunch of diseases didn’t inspire customers to eat better or exercise more, the researchers found. Companies have offered “direct-to-consumer” genetic testing for several years, taking saliva samples from customers, analyzing the DNA, and delivering a risk report for a series of diseases.

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Critics say the results can be inaccurate, that DNA currently tells too little about an individual’s disease risk to be useful, and that the information might make people unduly anxious. The new study surveyed the reactions of about 2,000 customers about five months after they got the test results. It didn’t assess the accuracy of the commercial test used. The DNA test covered 22 conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, glaucoma, obesity and lung, breast and prostate cancers. Participants showed no sign of significant anxiety from the results, which senior author Dr. Eric Topol found “very reassuring.” The paper was published by the New

England Journal of Medicine. Researchers also asked the participants about getting follow-up medical tests for conditions highlighted by their DNA reports. Overall, there was no statistically meaningful indication that the DNA results had made participants get medical tests. But Topol said there was a hint of such an effect, most clearly for glaucoma and prostate cancer. Only about half the participants said they’d seek medical testing in the future because of their DNA results. But the results indicated that being found at risk for some illnesses, including colon and breast cancer, encouraged people to say they wanted to get tested for them someday. — AP

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BONE AND JOINT HEALTH Learn more about osteoporosis and arthritis in a discussion that

focuses on prevention, early detection, and the latest treatment options at Suburban Hospital, 8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, Md. The free seminar takes place on Wednesday, March 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. Call (301) 896-3939 to

Mar. 30

REDUCING SYMPTOMS OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS

Learn how you can function more easily if you have Parkinson’s, essential tremors, dystonias or other movement disorders in a talk by neurologist Dr. Fahd Amjad. The talk will be Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Montgomery General Hospital, 18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney, Md. To register, call (301) 774-8881.

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Local master gardeners will demonstrate good techniques and show how simple changes in choice of plants and clothing can

make gardening easier. This free program is on Tuesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at

Mar. 8

EXERCISE YOUR HEART

A cardiac nurse will discuss how exercise benefits health in a program called “Exercise Away Heart Disease and Avoid Stroke” on Tuesday, March 8 at 1:15 p.m. at the Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. For more information about this free presentation, call (240) 777-4999.

the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. 3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington, Va. Register by March 11 by calling (703) 228-4403.

Mar. 8+

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP A six-week evening grief support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one will be led by Montgomery Hospice profes-

sional counselors from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays starting March 8. There is a $25 fee. The group will be held at Woodside United Methodist Church, 8900

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Simple changes that can help you stay fit By Leanne Italie At 45, DeEtte Sauer was a dead woman walking. She was morbidly obese, her heart disease so serious a doctor warned her to expect “an event at any time.” Eaten up by her marketing career, struggling to raise three kids, she smoked, drank and never, ever exercised. Sauer remembers a vacation when — at 5-foot-5 and 230 pounds — she couldn’t make it onto a small boat for a day out with her family. “That’s when it hit me. I was an elected cripple. I had done it to myself.” She got busy, slowly shedding the weight through sensible eating and exercise. She began to walk around her Houston neighborhood, then she discovered the pool. Now 69, the woman who once had a supermom complex is a competitive, medal-winning senior swimmer. “It literally saved my life,” Sauer said, adding that her best event is the butterfly — a stroke she learned at age 62. To trainers with lots of clients well beyond 50, Sauer is the holy grail — somebody who works hard and efficiently, taking care to avoid injury while maintaining motivation, strength and endurance through careful workouts.

More difficult with age Getting fit later in life is one thing, they

said, but staying that way at 60, 70 and 80 is another. “Going from running to walking, going from the treadmill to the elliptical as we age. It can be really frustrating, mentally debilitating,” said Chris Freytag, a yoga and Pilates instructor and contributing fitness editor for Prevention magazine. “Even for me. I’m 45 and say oh God, I can just see it coming. There’s going to be some wear and tear. That doesn’t mean I have to give up, but I have to make some changes.” Back, hips, knees, balance, cardio — all can be trouble spots and big blows to a positive attitude for seniors, said Freytag and fitness expert Denise Austin, who was Jack LaLanne’s sidekick on television and went on to her own workout shows, DVDs and books. At 53, she published a new book that came out in January, Get Energy!

Staying flexible is key Pilates and yoga are great ways to stay strong and flexible beyond 50 because both can be easily modified, the experts said. “I’m into the core as you age,” Austin said. “Your spine is your lifeline. Keep it healthy, keep it strong. As we age we lose flexibility, and it’s really important to our tendons and ligaments to stay pliable and keep all the fluids in our joints going.” She suggests increasing floor work to

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to avoid hip and knee problems, adding muscle work for the abs, which are so important for balance and flexibility. Add five minutes of strength training and five minutes of stretching, Austin suggests. “Really concentrate on the center of your body. Your core. It is truly the powerhouse of your body. It affects how you walk, your flexors, it protects your back. That’s why Pilates is great.” Balance issues don’t have to put an end to staying fit. Work out in a chair or use one to lean on if you’re feeling unsteady. “There’s a ton you can do in a chair,” Freytag said. “In a gym, there’s a huge trend toward functional training, meaning doing things that kind of mimic the functionality of your daily activities.” Standing on a domeshaped Bosu ball, for example. “You’re creating your own passive range of motion, whereas a machine in a gym is a fixed range of motion,” she said.

Keeping up with cardio Getting in balance Warming up before a workout is key to balance. For running seniors, Austin suggests five minutes of walking before getting into a gradual run, or intervals of walking and running. “It’s very important as you age to change it up more, to surprise your muscles and work them differently,” she said. Freytag called balance a “use it or lose it” proposition. “There are so many classes at gyms for folks over 60,” she said. “The biggest thing for people who are athletes already is to keep positive and just think about the fact that you’re going to train smarter. You’re not going to stop. It’s just that you have to change.” Runners may need to balance workouts with more strength training and stretching

With heart disease stalking both men and women, aging doesn’t have to mean the end to a decent cardio workout. Riding a bicycle is easier on the hips than running, for instance. Trim back on running to a couple of days a week and supplement on the bike. “You can get on a bike and spin like heck,” Freytag said. “You can still push yourself as hard as you would have but with less pain.” For runners who can’t bring themselves to give it up, run slower, walk and run, or cross-train. She suggests cardio work four days a week but only at high energy twice in that period. Dancing is also a good way to get the heart See STAYING FIT, page 21

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take pressure off the knees. Can’t touch your toes anymore? Use an elastic band for the same stretch or to replace weight training that might grow dangerous. Arthritis can make gripping difficult at a time when tissue is losing elasticity, which might mean giving up heavy free weights in each hand or on an overhead press. “The technique isn’t there anymore, it falls down and they hurt a shoulder. I’ve seen it a million times before,” Austin said. Taking the time to stretch, to reopen joints and muscles after a workout, is increasingly important as we age — particularly crucial at 60, 70 or older, Freytag said. “The lower back and hip flexors get really tight. The two are correlated. What I tell people is, ‘you are no longer able to skip stretching after a workout.’” Freytag recommends at least five to 10 minutes of stretching after a workout, when the muscles are warm. “Back when we were younger we could skip it.”

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Do-it-yourself dialysis grows in popularity By Alicia Chang Rodney Sokoloski used to get up before dawn three times a week and drive two hours from his high desert home to the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance to get hooked up to a dialysis machine. The blood-cleansing treatment was time-consuming and often left him feeling drained even before his workday began. Not anymore. After four months of shuttling back-and-forth, the 61-year-old last year switched to doing dialysis at home every night while he sleeps. He starts it after dinner, wheeling the dialysis machine — the size of a carry-on suitcase — into the living room where he can watch TV or chat with his wife. “It makes you feel like you’re in control of your life,” said Sokoloski, whose combination of diabetes and high blood pressure led to kidney disease. Yet only about 8 percent of kidney pa-

Staying fit From page 20 rate up, Austin said. “It changes movements and it changes your muscle twitchings.” At 93, Esther Robinson wouldn’t give up her life of fitness for anything. Active all her life, she still hits her local gym (“I like to bench press”), but dancing is something she can enjoy with others. “When I was 60 or something, I got into square dancing,” the great-grandmother said. “I like the music and the movement of it.” Take a page from Sauer’s story and hit the pool. “Swimming is easy on the joints. You’ll keep your love of sports.” Robinson also loves to swim. Sauer didn’t start training hard until 11

tients do dialysis at home. Many don’t know they can. Others are afraid to try it. And a limited number of places around the country offer training and support for home dialysis.

Covered by Medicare New Medicare payment rules that just went into effect could change that. The changes give dialysis clinics more motivation to control costs, and raise the amount centers get to teach do-it-yourself dialysis. As for the patients, Dr. Leslie Spry of the National Kidney Foundation says, once they “experience the difference between home and in-center dialysis most will not return to in-center treatment.” There are two types of dialysis that can be done at home. The older and more widely used method — peritoneal dialysis — uses the lining of the abdomen to clean out waste. Patients pour a fluid into a tube

years ago. She knew how to splash around, keep from drowning, but “I never had a swim lesson in my life, nothing.” She showed up for her first session at a health club with a 23-year-old instructor “and I couldn’t make it across the pool. I wanted to quit. I felt stupid,” but he wouldn’t let her give up. “I’m stronger than I ever was at 45. I’m faster,” said Sauer, who competes in the National Senior Games and U.S. Masters Swimming events. Sauer said her 78-year-old husband is also extremely fit. At a water park with their grandson they spotted no seniors at the top of a water slide five flights up. “They’re missing out,” she said. “I’ve never had so much fun in my life.” — AP

in their belly and drain it out several times a day, or a machine handles that while the patient rests — the approach Sokoloski uses. A second, newer method is home hemodialysis. Blood is drawn through a tube from the arm and pumped through a portable machine where it is cleansed and returned to the body. Patients do this four to seven days a week for about 2 1/2 hours each time. People who prefer home dialysis say it’s more convenient, allowing them to set their own schedules and even travel with their dialysis machine. They also like the idea of cleansing their blood of toxins more often because they feel better and

don’t need to take as many drugs. Dialysis clinics used to bill Medicare separately for costly medications such as the anti-anemia drug Epogen and often made a profit on it. Under the new payment system, centers get a flat rate for dialysis treatments and certain lab tests and drugs, including Epogen. This bundling may spur the industry to take a closer look at home therapy since people who dialyze in their living rooms tend to take fewer drugs than those in centers, cutting costs, according to the kidney foundation and some doctors. Slightly higher reimbursement to cenSee DIALYSIS, page 23

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How much protein do you need each day? By Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson Protein is essential in our diets. It forms the structure of the cells in our bodies and participates in almost every cell activity necessary for growth, development and tissue repair. Protein also supplies fuel for meeting the body’s energy needs. In the normal course of metabolism, the protein in our bodies is broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids. Some of these amino acids are used as fuel. Others are reassembled into protein molecules to replace the protein used each day by our cells. The protein we eat is also broken down into amino acids. Some of these are “essential amino acids,” so named because the body can’t make them, and they must be obtained through food. We don’t need to get all the essential amino acids in every protein source, but we do need all of them in our diets. We can’t store amino acids, so we need to replenish them daily through the proteins we eat.

Needs change over time The amount of dietary protein we need every day depends, in part, on weight and physical activity. Some people need to restrict their protein intake because of kidney dysfunction or a metabolic disorder. But for the average healthy adult, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.) That’s about 46 grams for a 128-pound woman. The RDA is higher during childhood, pregnancy, lactation, and recovery from a serious illness, trauma or major surgery — when our bodies have increased protein needs. Very active people and athletes in training probably need more protein as well, but no special RDAs have been established for such individuals. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get 10 to 35 percent of total daily calories from protein. The percentage should reflect changes in diet and activity level. For example, if a woman reduces her calorie intake, she should consume a larger proportion of those calories as protein, in order to meet her daily requirement. Most animal sources of protein contain all the essential amino acids, but many vegetable sources do not. To get the full range of essential amino acids, vegetarians and vegans need to eat a variety of proteincontaining plant-based foods every day. Animal and vegetable proteins have roughly the same effects in our bodies, but it’s important to pay attention to what comes along with the protein when you make food choices.

Sources of protein Hard-boiled egg Serving size: 1 large Protein (grams): 6.3 Cottage cheese, low-fat, 1 percent milkfat Serving size: 1 cup Protein (grams): 28 Cheese, cheddar Serving size: 1 oz Protein (grams): 7.1 Milk, 1 percent Serving size: 1 cup Protein (grams): 8.2 Yogurt, plain, low-fat Serving size: 1 cup Protein (grams): 11.9 Beef, ground, 85 percent lean Serving size: 3 oz. Protein (grams): 22

For example, steak is a great source of protein but it’s also a source of saturated fat. Poultry and fish are better animal sources of protein, and oily fish such as salmon also provide healthful omega-3 fatty acids.

Chicken, roasted, white meat Serving size: 3 oz. Protein (grams): 26.7 Turkey, roasted, white meat Serving size: 3 oz. Protein (grams): 25.1 Salmon, sockeye Serving size: 3 oz. Protein (grams): 23.2 Peanut butter, smooth Serving size: 1 tablespoon Protein (grams): 4.0 Potato, baked, medium-sized Serving size: 1 Protein (grams): 5.1 Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22, “Protein content of selected foods.” To view it online, visit: www.health. harvard.edu/usda-protein.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Dialysis From page 21 ters to do home training, and to healthcare providers who tell patients about their choices, may also help send more patients home, they say. LeAnne Zumwalt, vice president of DaVita Inc., which runs 1,600 dialysis clinics, said the company already provides home training to patients who meet the criteria. But Zumwalt doesn’t think the ranks of home dialysis patients will expand significantly unless Medicare reimburses for more treatments, especially for those on home hemodialysis, which requires more supplies and is costlier to support.

Extensive training required Home dialysis isn’t for everyone. It can be scary. People who are frail, squeamish about blood, or who don’t have family support at home are not good candidates. It requires weeks of intensive training and involves some risk: There’s potential for infection and the chance of getting an air bubble into the bloodstream, which could lead to death in rare instances. Patients are trained what to do in such emergencies. Many dialysis centers require that spouses or other family members also get schooled as backups. Eugene Abbott bypassed in-center dialysis and started home hemodialysis last summer after five weeks of training. It’s been a learning curve. Sometimes the machine’s alarm goes off and he’s had to stay calm and troubleshoot. “It’s mind-boggling. There’s a lot of things to learn,” said the 58-year-old ma-

chinist from Lincoln, Neb. He now does dialysis at home six days a week for about three hours each session. During college football season, he skips Saturdays so he can go to games. The outlook is good for the future of home dialysis. Research published last year in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients who do it themselves fare as well as those who went to dialysis centers. “The biggest challenge in this country is that most patients don’t know they have the choice to dialyze at home,” said Dr. Rajnish Mehrotra of Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center who led the study. “Many people would prefer to dialyze at home, but they’re afraid.” Nearly a quarter of Mehrotra’s patients now do home dialysis — a number that has grown because nurses explain the home dialysis option on a patient’s first visit. Sokoloski, who works in the high-performance automotive industry, hopes to travel soon. He recently bought a vintage Chevrolet hot rod and plans to take his dialysis machine and supplies with him on the road to car shows around the country this year. “Some people, when they find out they have kidney failure, just curl up in a ball. That’s not me,” he said. For more information online, see the following sites: NIH dialysis information: http://health.nih.gov/topic/KidneyFailur eandDialysis, National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org, home dialysis training locator: www.homedialysis.org/locate. — AP

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SMART MOVES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Admit it. We all take for granted the simple things in life— going shopping, cooking, playing with the grandkids, even a walk on a Spring day. But for the approximately 27 million Americans1 who each day deal with the symptoms of osteoarthritis, these activities are not always so simple. For some people, joint pain and stiffness may become severe enough to make getting through the day difficult.2

“There is no known cure for osteoarthritis,” said Michael Yaffe, M.D., medical director of the McConnell Executive Health & Wellness Program in Columbus, Ohio. “However, painful osteoarthritis symptoms can be treated in various ways, including exercise, healthy weight loss and medication. Talk to your health care professional to discuss possible symptoms and available treatment options.”

Making Smart Moves to Manage Osteoarthritis A new website (www.ArthritisSmartMoves.com) is now available to provide inspiration from real people, who are managing osteoarthritis symptoms, and advice from experts who offer encouragement along the way.

Cartilage: The crux of the issue Osteoarthritis is a chronic, or ongoing, disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.3 This means that as cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub together.3 The result may cause pain, stiffness, or even loss of movement.3 We don’t know what causes osteoarthritis, but we do know that factors such as being overweight, aging, or having a joint injury can make you more likely to experience OA symptoms.2

To read more about these inspiring real-life stories and learn useful advice from health care professionals and real people who have found success, despite osteoarthritis, visit www.ArthritisSmartMoves.com.

Helmick, C., Felson, D., Lawrence, R., Gabriel, S., et al. Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism 58(1), 15-25. 2008.

Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis: Causes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019/DSECTION=causes. Accessed February 2009.

Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis: What is it? http://www.arthritis.org/diseasecenter.php?disease_id=32 Accessed April 16, 2010.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

New technologies ease everyday tasks By Barbara Ruben From easier-to-use keyboards and cell phones to innovative ways to read and listen to books, technology is making it easier to communicate and use the computer. Here are a few new products and services: The MoreKeyboard has larger keys with large print designed to benefit those who are physically challenged, visually impaired or larger-framed. The easy-to-see, raised lettering enables those with vision problems to type more accurately. MoreKeyboard keys are 25 percent larger than regular keys. Yet, the keyboard is 18 by 7 inches and takes up about the same amount of desk space as a regular keyboard. Also important, the keyboard is designed to keep oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrists in a neutral position â&#x20AC;&#x201D; important to avoid pain and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. To assist with this, the keyboard has front and back legs with three different height adjustments. The keyboard sells for $69.95. For more information, see www.morekeyboard.com.

Read to distant grandkids One of the joys of grandparenting is

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that reading does.â&#x20AC;? Members pay $9.95 a month, or $99.95 a year, for an unlimited subscription. A 14day free trial is available. For more information, go to www.readeo.com or e-mail info@readeo.com.

Audio book subscriptions For those who love listening to books or have vision problems that keep them from reading easily, another service offers a monthly subscription to audio books. Simply Audiobooks bills itself as the Netflix of audiobooks. Members get unlimited rental access to a library of more than 14,000 books on CD in 33 categories â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with no due dates, shipping costs or late fees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Libraries carry [audio books], but the selection is thin,â&#x20AC;? said Lee Chesworth, CEO of Simply Audiobooks. â&#x20AC;?Audio books can cover more than 15 CDs, which makes them expensive to purchase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In contrast, Simply Audiobooks has multiple copies of each book in stock so the wait to grab the new thriller youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been dying to enjoy is short,â&#x20AC;? he said. Categories included in the Simply Audiobooks selection span popular genres from biographies to mysteries, romance to horror and science fiction to religion. Books can also be downloaded from Simply Audiobooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; website. CD memberships are available for a monthly fee of $26.98 or annual pricing at $21 a month. Books can be downloaded from the website starting at $14.95 a month for one book. To sign up for a free 15-day

trial, visit www.simplyaudiobooks.com.

Easier-to-use cell phones Phone manufacturers are also working to make cell phones easier to use. The company Clarity makes amplified cell and landline phones for those with hearing loss. Its ClarityLife C900 mobile phone, for example, works on several cellular networks, including AT&T and T-Mobile. The phone includes 20 decibel amplification, a one-touch emergency help button, four large buttons for easy navigation, a large backlit display, and oversized text for easier reading. The phone costs $99.95. Clarity offers a free service in which a company representative can remotely modify the phone, setting up volume and speed dial settings for customers. For more information, see http://clarityproducts.com or call 1-800426-3738. Pantechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breeze II phone also has large buttons to make dialing easier. It includes three-easy-to-program buttons for one-touch calling to the three people called the most, as well as large text on the screen. Phone users can also speak commands, from finding a contact to making the call. The 3G phone is equipped for texting, emailing or browsing the Web. Service is available through AT&T. The phone costs $229 without a contract, but is as low as $29.99 with a two-year contract and rebate. For more information, visit www.pantechusa.com/phones/breeze_ii or call 1-800-962-8622.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 10

VOLUNTEER FAIR FOR BOOMERS AND OLDER ADULTS Learn about a wide range of local volunteer opportunities at

Fairfax Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Venture into Volunteering Fair on Thursday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Columbia@Crossroads, 3245 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, Va.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all up to you. Call us. Now taking calls until 7:30 pm Tue, Wed, Thur Regular hours M-F 8:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00

Representatives from local non-profits and Fairfax County will be on hand to discuss volunteer opportunities that include helping kids with homework, teaching English to adults, delivering Meals on Wheels and serving as court volunteers. Call Trina Mayhan-Webb at (703) 704-6075 for more information.

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You’ll start feeling better the minute you see how much you save on generic prescriptions. If you or your family are taking prescription medications, you may want to try generics. Generics are safe and eﬀective, FDA approved, and work the same way that name brands do, but cost up to 80% less. Speak to your CVS Pharmacist to learn more.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Aging boomers are at risk for hepatitis C By Lauran Neergaard There’s new hope for an overlooked epidemic: Two powerful drugs are nearing the market that promise to help cure many more people of liver-attacking hepatitis C — even though most who have the simmering infection don’t know it yet. Surprisingly, two-thirds of hepatitis C sufferers are thought to be baby boomers who’ve harbored since their younger, perhaps wilder, years a virus that can take two or three decades to do its damage. What could be a treatment revolution is spurring the government to consider if it’s time to start screening aging baby boomers for hepatitis C, just like they get various cancer checks. “We’re entering a whole new era of therapy,” said Dr. John Ward, hepatitis chief at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We really want to begin that clar-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

DRIVERS NEEDED Volunteer to drive

older adults to medical appointments in the Alexandria, Springfield and Lorton areas. Contact Volunteer Solutions at (703) 324-5406 or DFSAAAvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/

ion call for action for this population who’s at risk.” Today’s two-drug treatment for hepatitis C cures only about 40 percent of people with the most common variety of the virus and causes some grueling side effects. Now major studies show that adding a new drug — either Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ telaprevir or Merck & Co.’s boceprevir — can boost those cure rates as high as 75 percent. And they allow some people to cut treatment time in half, to six months, thus lessening how long they must deal with those side effects.

isons to the early 1990s when potent combination therapies emerged to treat AIDS. Many recently diagnosed patients are postponing therapy to await these new drug cocktails in hopes of a better chance at a faster cure, said Dr. Paul Pockros, he-

patology chief at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif., who helped test telaprevir. However, the bigger impact could come if more people get tested for hepatitis C, a See HEPATITIS C, page 28

BEACON BITS

Mar. 19+

HELP NEW MOTHERS The Naomi Project needs volunteers who will be trained to serve

as mentors to pregnant women and new mothers at high risk in the Northern Virginia area. The next training session for volunteers is Saturday, March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad St.,

FDA approval expected If the Food and Drug Administration approves the drugs — a decision widely expected this summer — they would be the first that work by directly targeting the hepatitis C virus. Specialists draw compar-

Falls Church, Va. A $35 registration fee covers a background check, study materials and lunch. For more information, contact Laura Greenspan at (703) 860-2633 or visit www.naomiproject.org.

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olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.

Ongoing

CALLING ALL VETS Veterans interested in mentoring injured

military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan should call Fairfax County Operation WOW! (Wellness Opportunities for Warriors) at (703) 324-5347.

Ongoing

DO YOU LOVE PLANTS? Brookside Gardens in

Wheaton, Md., has volunteer positions available ranging from working in the gift shop to helping with outside displays. Visit its website at www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside or contact Jared Ashling at jared.ashling@mncppc-mc.org or (301) 962-1429 for more information.

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Hepatitis C From page 27 blood-borne virus. It’s often stigmatized as a risk only to people who inject illegal drugs. But the virus could have begun festering from a blood transfusion before 1992, when testing of the blood supply began.

Lapses in infection control in health facilities still occasionally expose people today. So could even a one-time experiment with drugs way back in college, something doctors are reluctant to ask a now middle-aged, button-downed patient to reveal, said Ward. “It cuts across every segment of socie-

BEACON BITS

Mar. 24+

CONTROL YOUR CLUTTER

The Schweinhaut Senior Center presents a three-session series focused on clutter control on Thursdays, March 24, March 31 and April 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. The fee is $10 for the series, which includes handouts and refreshments. The registration deadline is March 18. Register at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md., or call (240) 777-8085.

Ongoing

PLAY BALL!

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. Games are played on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna, Va. For more information, call Donna at (703) 938-0387 or see www.goldengirls.org.

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ty,” added Dr. Arun Sanyal of Virginia Commonwealth University, past president of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. “I can tell you our hepatitis C treatment clinic is a great social equalizer.” About 3.2 million Americans, and 170 million people worldwide, have chronic hepatitis C. In the U.S., new infections have dropped dramatically — although the disease’s toll is rising as people infected decades earlier reach ages where their livers start showing damage. Hepatitis C already is a leading cause of liver transplants, and it kills about 12,000 U.S. patients a year, a number expected to triple within 20 years. Most people find out they’re infected like Brian Graham, 56, of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., during a routine check-up that spotted elevated liver enzymes. He’d never heard of hepatitis C and had no obvious risk factors. But tests showed the virus had begun to scar his liver. So over the last decade he tried three rounds of traditional treatments, with increasingly tough side effects, to no avail.

New drugs more effective Enter the new drugs. They work by blocking an enzyme named protease that’s key for the virus to reproduce. But they must be taken together with standard medications — ribavirin pills plus injections of interferon-alpha — that are thought to boost the immune system. According to studies presented at a recent medical meeting, 67 to 75 percent of patients given treatment including either boceprevir or telaprevir, respectively, had what doctors call a cure. That’s defined as no sign of the hepatitis C virus six months after their last dose. Importantly, only about a quarter of black patients are helped by standard ther-

BEACON BITS

Are you online? So are we! Visit our all-new website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com You’ll ﬁnd topical articles, as well as blogs, recipes, useful links, reader forums, games, puzzles and event listings. Also –

Mar. 25

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

Attend a lecture on the future of the Middle East by Professor Amatzia

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apy, but adding one of the new drugs more than doubled their cure rates. People getting their first-ever treatment did best, but the studies also found improvements in hard-to-treat patients like Graham. “The fourth time did the trick,” said Graham, who volunteered for an early telaprevir study and said he’s been hepatitis-free for three years. The new drugs do add side effects to the flulike symptoms and other complaints of existing treatment. Telaprevir’s main risk is a rash that is sometimes severe, and boceprevir’s is anemia. “The future looks very bright beyond telaprevir and boceprevir,” noted Dr. Fred Poordad of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, who has studied both drugs and consults for several companies. He points to additional drugs in earlierstage testing that promise to target more types of hepatitis C and perhaps eventually allow for pill-only, interferon-free treatment. Manufacturers haven’t said how much the new drugs will add to the price of treatment that already can cost $30,000, albeit far cheaper than a liver transplant. A stickier issue: Not everyone suffers serious liver damage and it’s hard to predict who will, raising questions about exactly who needs treatment even as drug companies help push for more screening. That’s a concern, acknowledged Jeff Levi of the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health, also a screening proponent. But when to treat is a doctor-patient decision, and “anyone with chronic infection you do want to be monitoring so you can intervene at the right moment,” he added. Plus, people with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol and consider other liver-protection steps — and know how to avoid infecting others, he stressed. — AP

VA Relay: 1-800-828-1120

Baram, holder of the Goldman Chair at Georgetown University and professor emeritus of Middle East history at the University of Haifa in Israel. The lecture is part of the Coming of Age program sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency. The lecture, which will be held Friday, March 25 at 1 p.m., costs $6, and will be held in the Clubhouse II Auditorium at Leisure World, 3300 N. Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring,

4435 N. Pershing Drive Arlington VA 22203

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Md. Call (301) 348-3832 for event registration.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

A better way to test for atherosclerosis

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To take part in the study, you must be 55 or older and be able to take statin drugs to

control your cholesterol. You must be willing to modify your current treatment while enrolled in the study. Those with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators cannot participate. Those who are allergic to the iodine (used as contrast in scans) also cannot take part. The costs of all tests, medications and exams are covered by the trial, but monetary compensation is not offered. To find out more, call the NIH Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1-800411-1222 or e-mail prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov. Refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01212900.

â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘

Check off the health studies youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to receive FREE information about. â?? â?? â??

Balance & Walking Study (See ad, p. 29) Cholesterol Imaging Study (See article, p. 29) Insomnia Study (See ad, p. 29)

Name_________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)________________________ (eve)___________________________

Return to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (301) 949-8966

î&#x20AC;&#x20AC;e Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland announces a new research study investigating balance and walking. We are currently recruiting subjects over the age of 65 to participate in this study. All subjects must have a history of falling or loss of balance in the last 6 months. Subjects must not participate in any other balance training or rehabilitation during this study.

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703-752-7881

WB3/11

Subjects selected for participation will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. Participation in this study will require you to walk on a treadmill at typical walking speeds. You will view a special image on a TV screen while walking on the treadmill. î&#x20AC;&#x20AC;e study will last between 4-8 weeks, with training sessions 3 times weekly.

All subjects can not have any of the following medical problems: a. Cardiovascular (Heart) problems b. Respiratory (Breathing) problems c. Recent orthopedic injuries (in the previous 12 months) If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Eric Anson at 301-405-2572, or by email at eanson1@umd.edu.

â&#x153;&#x192;

The study involves one screening visit and seven study visits over a period of two years. Participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history, as well as blood samples and tests, to evaluate whether it is safe for them to have CT and MRI scans. Those in the study will provide information on current medications, dietary habits, smoking status, alcohol and caffeine intake, and their level of physical activity. Participants will be divided into two groups at the second visit. One group will receive standard doses of medication to lower cholesterol according to current treatment guidelines. The other group will have MRI scans of the carotid arteries and a CT scan of the heart to determine the best medication dose levels. The next three visits will be scheduled three, six and nine months after visit two. During these visits, researchers will monitor participants for possible side effects and may change or adjust medications and doses.

For those 55+

H E A L T H S T U D Y I N F O â&#x20AC;˘ H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O

Two-year study

At visit six, participants will have an MRI scan of the carotid arteries, a physical examination and blood tests. Medications may be changed or adjusted. At visit seven, participants will have blood tests and medications may be changed or adjusted. At the final visit, participants will have another MRI of the carotid arteries and a CT scan of the heart, as well as a final physical examination and blood tests.

â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘

tors, what your chance is of having early blockage or early atherosclerosis, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually looking directly at your carotid arteries using MRI,â&#x20AC;? said Sibley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will compare peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arteries in the early, quiet [phase of] atherosclerosis [to that of] a large group of people weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve studied previously. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to compare the people in the study to other people like them to see if they fall into a lower level of atherosclerosis, an average level, or a higher amount than would be expected for their age.â&#x20AC;?

H E A L T H S T U D Y I N F O â&#x20AC;˘ H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O

By Barbara Ruben Atherosclerosis is the thickening of artery walls caused by cholesterol and other deposits. The condition commonly occurs in the heart vessels and carotid (neck) arteries of adults. It is often present in people with high cholesterol levels in their blood. By the time they are 60 or so, half of all Americans will have a significant amount of plaque in their arteries, according to Dr. Christopher Sibley, a lead associate investigator at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center. Patients are usually treated with cholesterol lowering medications called statins, along with diet and exercise. But cholesterol levels measured by blood tests donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always tell the whole story about how bad the atherosclerosis is or if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improving. In addition, some people whose blood tests donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show elevated cholesterol can have blockages. And others may have high cholesterol without evidence of atherosclerosis. Researchers at NIH are investigating new approaches, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging studies, to find blood vessel blockages that would not otherwise be detected by cholesterol levels and risk factors for heart disease. In using imaging to better diagnose atherosclerosis, some people may find they need to have their cholesterol medication adjusted or might even need bypass surgery. And these interventions may help prevent heart attacks or stroke in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The interesting thing in our study is, instead of trying to guess, based on risk fac-

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Try black rice for variety and antioxidants Q: Is black rice now considered another one of the super foods? A: Black rice, a variety of rice used in Asia for centuries, is a whole grain and a healthy food choice. It can add a nice change to meals; however, as with any one food, it won’t replace eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and other whole grains. Its dark color — which turns to purple when cooked — comes from natural plant compounds called anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are also found in purple and blue colored vegetables and fruits such as eggplant and blueberries.

They are one of several types of antioxidant compounds called phenolics that are found in black rice. These compounds together give black rice several times higher antioxidant activity than white rice. Brown rice, also a whole grain and healthy choice, does not contain anthocyanins, but it contains other health-promoting phenolics. Research on black rice seems to focus on comparisons with white rice, so it’s hard to tell how much more benefit you’d get from black rice over brown rice. You might see black rice recommended for its high fiber content, but while it con-

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LEISURE & TR AVEL

And then a lady stepped forward, a stranger, dressed not in uniform but in a simple dark suit. She whispered a few words and pressed two cards into Johnson’s hands. “If there is anything you need ...” Then she melted back into the crowd. Later Johnson would think of her as a touchingly, human presence in a sea of starched uniforms and salutes. She would learn that the stranger was an “Arlington lady” — one of a small band of volunteers, mainly spouses of retired military officers, who attend nearly every funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. She would read the notes — a formal one from the Army Chief of Staff and his wife, and a personal handwritten one from the Arlington lady herself. She would learn of their mission: to en- Arlington ladies, such as Paula McKinley, sure no soldier is buried right, add a comforting alone. nerals of service members presence to the fuat Arlington National Johnson wasn’t alone. In Cemetery, and lend fact she felt as families afterwards. Here, McKinley support to the stands by Ramish Gokool, though an entire nation who holds his son’s was grieving with photo at the young Navy man’s funeral. her.

The kindness of strangers

But she never forgot the kindness of her Arlington Lady. And several years later, as she wrestled with how best to honor her husband, she dug out the lady’s card. This is something I can do, she thought, not just for him, but for every soldier. “It doesn’t matter whether we are burying a four-star general or a private,” said Margaret Mensch, head of the Army ladies. “They all deserve to have someone say ‘thank you’ at their grave.” Mensch is sitting at her desk in the

I N S I D E …

AP PHOTO/JACQUE LYN

Supporting families of the fallen

MARCH 2011

The charm of yesteryear in rural Virginia; plus, surprising mystery trips, getting nickeled and dimed on cruises, and Bob Levey on when to share the wealth page 40

ARTS & STYLE

The songs tell the stories in the Ethel Waters biography His Eye Was on the Sparrow; plus, Dave Brubeck keeps the beat going at 90 page 55 LAW & MONEY k Is it too late to buy stocks? k Muni bonds for the long term

FITNESS & HEALTH 13 k New blood test for cancer k How to save at the pharmacy VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors LIFETIMES k From the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

tains much more than white rice, its fiber www.aicr.org. advantage over brown rice is slight. It may Q: Should I be paying attention to cost an extra 25 cents a servthe glycemic index of food? ing compared to regular A: A food’s glycemic index brown rice, though not much (GI) refers to its effect on more than quick-cooking variblood sugars shortly after it is eties of brown rice. eaten. The biggest disadvantage is Higher GI foods are digestthat though quick-cooking ed relatively quickly and usuforms of brown rice have been ally contain either less fiber or developed, black rice still deless fat, both of which slow mands 45 to 50 minutes of down how quickly the body cooking like regular brown absorbs carbohydrates. NUTRITION rice. These foods tend to raise Q: I know that spinach is WISE blood sugars more, which can By Karen Collins, loaded with vitamins, but then lead to a greater increase how can I fix it so people MS, RD, CDM in insulin levels. will enjoy eating it? Is the Studies do show that eating spinach soufflé that comes frozen a mainly foods with a low GI can reduce healthy option? blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diA: There are loads of delicious ways to in- abetes. But according to the American Diaclude spinach in your meals. Whether you betes Association, studies also show that start with fresh or frozen spinach, you can the total amount of carbohydrate in food, add it to soups, casseroles, eggs and pasta. in general, is a stronger predictor of blood Steam or sauté spinach with onions and glucose response than the GI. peppers, and use it as a bed or stuffing for Study results are less clear when chicken or seafood. glycemic index is applied to long-term For a simple treat that complements weight loss. For both blood sugar level remany meals, simply sauté spinach in a lit- duction and weight loss, glycemic index is tle olive oil with some fresh garlic (the more likely to be significant when it is more, the better for garlic lovers!). If you combined with exercise as well as other want, add to this basic formula some pine methods (like portion control) to keep nuts, walnuts, mushrooms or either fresh calories at an appropriate level. or sun-dried tomatoes. So at this point, if you have type 2 diaSpinach is a great source of the B vita- betes, it may help to pay attention to your min folate, which promotes healthy DNA. foods’ glycemic index in addition to followIt’s also a powerhouse of antioxidants, pro- ing the basic components of healthy eatviding both beta-carotene (which forms vi- ing. tamin A in our bodies) and a pair of other The good news is that by choosing carotenoid compounds called lutein and foods that are recommended for a healthzeaxanthin. These latter two are most well- ful diet — high-fiber vegetables, whole known for eye health benefits, but they are grains and beans — and limiting cona plus for overall health, too. sumption of sweets and refined grains, Frozen spinach can be a great option to you may already be selecting mostly low keep on hand for many of these dishes, but GI foods. with all these options, there’s no need to The American Institute for Cancer Return to prepared dishes like spinach souf- search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800flé. It contains almost half a day’s recom- 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday mended limit for sodium and 30 to 50 per- through Friday. This free service allows you cent of the recommended limit for saturat- to ask questions about diet, nutrition and ed fat in a one-cup portion. cancer. A registered dietitian will return Frozen spinach is a great basic to keep your call, usually within three business days. on hand, but choose the plain version that Courtesy of the American Institute for leaves you flexibility to use it in a variety of Cancer Research. Questions for this column tasty and healthy dishes. You can find may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., spinach recipes from the American Insti- N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins cantute for Cancer Research Test Kitchen at not respond to questions personally.

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For a meal or appetizer: veggie turnovers This recipe is a satisfying combination of vegetables contained in an edible wrapper. Carrots are loaded with a potent antioxidant called beta-carotene, which studies suggest may provide protection against certain types of cancers. Interestingly, cooked carrots actually have higher levels of antioxidants than uncooked ones as the cooking process releases essential elements. The parsnip is related to the carrot family, but is paler and sweeter than its carrot cousins. Although under-utilized today, parsnips were a widely used root vegetable before the potato arrived in the New World. Rich in a variety of nutrients, peas add color, consistency and taste to these turnovers. The French king Louis the 14th held the little green pods in such high regard that they were commonly used in dishes for his palace parties. Frozen peas are preferable to canned in this recipe because they retain their flavor better and have lower sodium content. Serve these turnovers with marinara as a dipping sauce. They work as appetizers or as a main course for something different on your menu.

Vegetable Turnovers with Tomato Sauce Dough Use 1 ½ 9-inch commercial frozen whole-wheat pie crusts Or make your own dough: 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. butter, chilled 3 Tbsp. canola oil 1-2 Tbsp. ice water or cold apple juice Filling 1/4 cup peeled and diced carrot, about 1/4 inch dice 1/4 cup peeled and diced potato, about 1/4 inch dice 1/4 cup peeled and diced parsnip, about 1/4 inch dice 1/4 cup peeled and diced butternut squash, optional, about 1/4 inch dice 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 tsp. canola oil 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup fresh or frozen peas 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley Cooking spray 1 egg, beaten Your favorite marinara sauce If making your own dough: In medium bowl, mix flours, sugar and salt, then use fork or pastry blender to mix in remaining ingredients. Gather dough into a ball and let it rest for a few minutes. Note: This dough is softer and more delicate than traditional doughs, so handle lightly and do not overwork it. If using commercial pie dough, cut into six (five-inch) circles. If using homemade dough, divide into six pieces. On lightly floured sheet of waxed paper, roll out and shape each into a circle approximately five inches in diameter.

In medium saucepan heat oil over medium heat and cook onion for two minutes, or until soft. Add carrots, potatoes, parsnip, squash (if using) and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 8-10 minutes until vegetables are soft and the liquid has evaporated. Stir in peas and parsley. Let cool. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place two tablespoons filling onto a piece of dough. Dip your finger in water. Wet half the edge of dough circle. Fold to form

turnover and seal edge with fork. Repeat. Spray baking dish or tray and arrange turnovers. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Heat your favorite sauce for dipping and place in small bowls. Serve. Makes 6 turnovers. Per turnover: 204 calories, 11 g. total fat (2 g. saturated fat), 22 g. carbohydrate, 4 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 88 mg. sodium.

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Effective supplements for sensitive eyes Dear Pharmacist: at improving the eyes’ sensitivity to glare My eyes are so sensitive to light that that they’ve actually been dubbed “natural I have to reach for my sunsunglasses.” glasses as soon as I step These nutrients should be out the door. Can you offer perfectly safe to take if you any help with this probalso use any type of prelem? scribed eye drops such as tim— E.R. olol, Xalatan, Restasis, ZadiDear E.R: tor, Acular, etc. If sunglasses are needed for Eye-nourishing nutrients normal outdoor light, your eyes are also beneficial for people are overly sensitive to glare. Anwho take over-the-counter alother symptom would be exceslergy eye drops or “artificial DEAR sive sensitivity to light from tears.” The dietary supplePHARMACIST computer screens, which I can ments nourish the retina and By Suzy Cohen vouch for personally since my optic nerve inside your body, job requires lengthy stays in while the drops address outfront of a computer! ward symptoms. If you have this problem, you likely When an eye doctor shines that light squint against the glare of oncoming traf- into your eyes, he sees your retina, which fic at night. You know who you are. appears bright yellow. It’s yellow for a reaI can recommend a couple of nutrients: son. The cells of your retina pick up and inlutein and zeaxanthin. They’re so powerful corporate yellow nutrients known as

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carotenoids into their cell structure. Guess what two nutrients are yellow? Zeaxanthin and lutein! This is why the carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lutein (and natural beta carotene) are so important for vision. In a 2008 study, researchers at the University of Georgia found that these two nutrients significantly increased the carotenoid content in the study participants’ retinas. They also experienced relief from glare sensitivity. Participants took 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin and 10 milligrams of lutein a day. It helps if you consume healthy foods like tomatoes, peppers, spinach, carrots and other leafy greens. There are many natural nutrients that can prevent or relieve hundreds of diseases and conditions. One of my favorite books and a great resource for natural symptom relief is NutriCures: Foods and Supplements That Work with Your Body to Relieve Symptoms and Speed Healing, by Alice Feinstein. The author provides a scientific basis for her recommendations, and I appreciate knowing that there is science to back up the claims. It’s an easy read. Speaking of vision, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the king of the carotenoids, astaxanthin, which has been the buzz word lately. The dietary supplement is sold by several high-quality makers such as NOW foods, Vitamin Shoppe and NSI brands. “BioAstin,” the best-selling dietary supplement in all of Hawaii, just became available to health food stores nationwide on the mainland. Emerging studies for this nutrient are super exciting, because astaxanthin can protect our vision, ease arthritis, fibromyalgia pain, and reduce cholesterol and fatigue. Dear Pharmacist: You’ve mentioned that cayenne pepper is very healing for the stomach and can prevent ulcers. How can that be? I thought chili pepper would burn a hole in your gut faster than you could say, “hot chili pepper.” Not so? — C.P. Dear C.P.: Not so. While capsaicin — the heatcausing compound found in varying degrees in all chilies — would most likely light up an existing ulcer, it’s nevertheless been shown to destroy the ulcer-causing

H. pylori bacteria while also helping certain cells squirt out juices that buffer the gastrointestinal tract’s lining and prevent lesions from forming in the first place. Pathogenic tummy bugs aren’t the only bad boys capsaicin likes to burn. In a recent study headed by Dr. Phillip Koeffler at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, it was discovered that capsaicin seduces prostate cancer cells into committing suicide — figuratively speaking. More specifically, the research team found that in mice, prostate tumors treated with capsaicin wound up one-fifth the size of similar untreated tumors. A Korean study showed that even the cells of the deadly skin cancer melanoma are likewise vulnerable to capsaicin’s deadly charms. By the way, the pepper’s heat doesn’t come from the seeds, as is commonly assumed. It comes from the placenta, the whitecolored strips lining the inside of the pod. The tiny sacs containing the hot stuff are produced there along with the seeds. These sacs (or vesicles) tend to burst easily, spewing their hell-raising elixir onto the totally innocent seeds. In the body, the heat-causing capsaicin numbs your sense of pain by blunting the effects of “Substance P,” a pain-causing chemical in the body. Commercial capsaicin products are sold nationwide in patch form, gel, cream and roll-on. Even the powdered spice makes a great home remedy. I learned about it the hard way, after I cut my finger while chopping onions. I bled for hours! To stop bleeding, all you need is pure cayenne powder. Look in your spice rack. Just sprinkle a tiny amount of it onto a bandage or gauze and apply it to the bleeding cut. Bleeding should stop within a minute. Also cool (or I guess I should say, hot) is that eating fresh peppers helps you lose weight. The thermogenesis (heat production) caused by ingesting peppers can cause a moderately active 38-year-old man to burn up to 600 extra calories a day. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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Pay your own way or pay in another way Dear Solutions: to “just step in” to wish her well. I’m I’ve started to see a man whom I upset about this. I know his first wife knew long ago, before we and her whole family will were both widowed. I’d be there. like him as a friend without I certainly wouldn’t go any physical intimacy, but with him, and he hasn’t each time he takes me to asked me to. Do you think dinner or gets tickets to I’m wrong to say he something he tries to kiss shouldn’t go, and that it’s me goodnight afterward. his past, and he should I don’t want this, but I just let go of it? feel guilty because he’s — Irene spending this money on Dear Irene: SOLUTIONS me. Do you think it’s wrong Yes. I think you’re part By Helen Oxenberg, of me to let him spend wrong and he’s part right, so MSW, ACSW money on me and then reyou’re both part even. He fuse his advances? Do you probably had a warm relationthink I should end the friendship? ship with his former mother-in-law, and — Amie he’s right to want to acknowledge her Dear Amie: birthday and wish her well. In other words, if you don’t kiss him It’s the way he wants to do it that’s goodnight do you have to kiss him good- wrong. The right way would be to send her bye? Not necessarily. some lovely flowers with a nice card wishRight now you’re selling your kisses. You ing her well. can get a better price for them if you hold The trouble with second wives or husout. The price is right when someone turns bands is that they want the past to be gone. you on both physically and emotionally. Concentrate on your present rather than Friendship is based on honesty. Tell this his past, because although the past has man that you enjoy his company and want passed it can never be really gone. Its to remain friends — just friends. And then memory lingers on. pay for yourself — your share of dinner, Dear Solutions: tickets and independence! I helped my very good friend get a Dear Solutions: job in my company. The boss is an atMy husband and I are both married tractive married man. My friend is an for the second time. Mine was a short attractive divorced woman. first marriage, but his was for many There is a big flirtation going on, years. and it’s being noticed and talked His former mother-in-law is having about by others in the office who also an 85th birthday party, and he wants know his wife. Should I say something

strong to my friend or just butt out? I feel a little responsible because I got her the job. —Sally Dear Sally: Butt in — carefully. Point out that as her friend you are concerned for her, her feelings and her job. Ask her to think through what she really wants to come of this and how realistic her wishes are. Tell her people are noticing and talking. Tell her it’s his company and his wife, and your friend is the one most likely to get hurt. Add that you hope that doesn’t happen. Then butt out. Dear Solutions: My sister is so superstitious that she’s actually afraid to take money that was left to us by an uncle who died in a terrible accident. She really needs it, and I’d like to see her get it before other people in this family grab it.

How can I get her to stop concentrating on how he died? She says she only wants “happy money.” — John Dear John: Tell her that “happy money” is money that helps you do things that make you happy! Tell her she would be honoring her uncle’s memory by honoring his wish to help her when he could. You’re a good brother. Maybe you can take the money and buy her something you know she really needs. If all else fails, you may add my name to the list of volunteers willing to relieve you of this burden. © Helen Oxenberg, 2011. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also e-mail the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Mar. 25

SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR

The Herndon Senior Center will host a free Senior Resource Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 25. Presenters and displays will focus on medical, housing, financial, transportation, legal and caregiving resources available locally. A local pharmacist will be available to meet with attendees and review their medications for potential harmful interactions. The Herndon Senior Center is located at 873 Grace St., Herndon, Va. For further information or special accommodations, call (703) 464-6200.

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Careers Volunteers &

Does your organization use senior volunteers or do you employ a number of seniors? If so and you’d like to be considered for a story in our Volunteers & Careers section, please send an e-mail to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

It’s easy to fall in love with volunteering

A variety of volunteer jobs Other volunteers at the 164-resident nursing home help in the gift shop as well

as the finance and administrative offices, among other areas. “We have volunteers from all over,” said Robin Van Der Pool, Stoddard’s volunteers director. “Training is offered to all volunteers. Some help with various holidays like Christmas or Easter, and others are career trainees. Even some of our staff members volunteer on their days off,” she said. In college, Van Der Pool had to volunteer for 40 hours as part of her course requirements. She chose to help at a nursing home and never looked back. “My passion for volunteering begins with my own experience. It was very fulfilling. I have always worked in nursing homes,” she said. Volunteers from the community are also helping drive what’s known as “culture change” in nursing homes, said Bob Spencer, Stoddard’s administrator. [For more on culture change, see “Not your grandfather’s nursing home,” in the February Beacon.] “This is part of our strategic plan — to give residents rights and choices, such as waking up and going to sleep when they like, and eating the meals they are accustomed to,” he said. “Integrating the com-

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By Barbara Ruben Over the last decade, Aileen Smith has had open heart surgery, a knee replacement and treatment for less serious ailments. But none of her health woes has kept her from volunteering at the Stoddard Baptist Home for long. “I really miss the residents when I can’t be there,” said Smith, who has volunteered for more than 14 years at the century-old nursing home in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Smith, who is 70 and spends about 30 hours a week at Stoddard, is one of the dozens of volunteers who step in to help with a wide range of tasks at the long-term care facility. She helps monitor and feed patients, makes conversation and plays games with them. She enjoys helping take them to medical appointments, as well. “I feel I learn a lot from their life experiences,” Smith said. “They’re very sweet. It’s easy to fall in love with them.”

Aileen Smith, right, reads the Bible with a resident of the Stoddard Baptist Home in Washington, D.C. Smith, who has volunteered at Stoddard for more than 14 years, is one of dozens of volunteers at the century-old nursing home.

munity also helps with that.” Stoddard began in the 1890s as a retirement home for African American ministers and their spouses. It is now open to all. Though it has moved several times over the years, the nursing home’s current location incorporates a mansion originally designed by Thomas Walter, who was also the architect for the Capitol’s dome. To volunteer, call Van Der Pool at (202) 328-7400, extension 1362 or fill out an application online at www.stoddardbaptisthome. com/volunteers.htm.

Other opportunities Numerous other nursing homes in the Washington area are also in need of volunteers. Here are several looking for help: More than 200 volunteers provide myriad services to the residents of the Village at Rockville on a daily basis — from staffing the library and snack bar, to making one-on-one visits, to hosting discussion and support groups and assisting with activities, such as bingo and movie might. To learn more, call (301) 424-9560 or

see the listing of volunteer needs at http://bit.ly/villagevolunteer. The Washington Home in Northwest Washington is also seeking volunteers for administrative support, special events, planned giving, grant writing, mealtime assistance, friendly visits and nursing unit support. Volunteers with pets are needed for the Washington Home’s Four-Legged Friends program, in which dogs and cats are brought in to visit with residents. For more information and to volunteer your services, contact Nik Ooi at (202) 895-2677 or email nooi@thewashingtonhome.org. Learn more about the volunteer program at www.thewashingtonhome.org/volunteer.html. The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington is also looking for volunteers to help provide quality care to its residents. It has positions available for a variety of interests and skill levels to help residents feel more comfortable and engaged in the community. Contact Hedy Peyser at (301) 770-8332 or volunteers@hebrew-home.org for more information.

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How longer lives will affect our workforce By Mark Miller In 2005, there were 270,000 people over age 100 in the world — a figure the United Nations expects will explode to 2.3 million by 2040 due to improvements in nutrition, health and healthcare. By that year, the U.S. Census Bureau expects the proportion of people over age 65 will more than double from 2008 levels, to 14 percent of the world’s population. The topic of aging in America often prompts discussion and worry about how we’ll manage in our graying country. Author Ted Fishman puts those questions into a broader context in his recent book, Shock of Gray (Scribner, 2010). The book offers a thoughtful — and often surprising — analysis of how aging will drive globalization and immigration patterns in the years ahead, and determine the economic destiny of nations. But while Fishman is thinking global, he reports local. Fishman explains the trends by painting detailed portraits of places in the world already feeling the effects of aging. His on-the-ground reporting includes portraits of the hollowed-out economy of Rockford, Ill., and the retirement mecca of Sarasota, Fla., alongside dispatches from Spain, Japan and China.

Aging fuels immigration And Fishman has concluded that the news about aging isn’t all bad. “It’s a wonderful circumstance overall, since we get to live longer, but we have to adjust to a reality humankind has never faced before,” he said. “Americans who reach age 60 have a pretty good chance of getting to 95. Our aging country faces a swelling number of dependent elders at the upper reaches of the lifespan. “Just as it will be more common for people in their late 60s and 70s to work, it will also be common for those older workers to have living parents to tend to. “Our workforce over 50 will grow to three times its current size, but the number of younger workers will stay nearly constant. Virtually all the expansion of the U.S. workforce will be in the upper age range.” This lopsided picture helps explain why we will experience a growing globalization of a workforce devoted to providing caregiving services, Fishman argued. “It’s very likely that older Americans will have very small families to look after them when they need it. And often, the families are separated by big geographical distances. “Now, many families rely on immigrants to provide care services family members themselves cannot, or will not, take on. This is one way that aging is a kind of global enterprise.” “Robust immigration into the U.S. helps America age less quickly than most other aging countries,” he added. “But the numbers of young immigrants will never be enough to reverse the aging of our population.” Shock of Gray grew out of themes Fishman explored in his first book, the best-

selling China Inc. (Scribner, 2005). That book explained how China leverages its young, inexpensive workforce to fuel its rapid rise as a global economic superpower. Fishman expands that analysis in Shock of Gray well beyond China, describing a sort of rolling globalization of the workforce driven by aging.

Midlife job loss “The built-in costs of an aging workforce are higher,” he explained. “With an aging workforce, employers find ways to make their workforce more flexible in ways that avoid the age-related costs. “Firm-specific knowledge becomes less important, so there are fewer reasons to give raises. And employers start thinking about where they can automate or shift jobs abroad.

“Currently, the standard retirement ages in every developed country — when workers can start to get Social Security — are higher than the ages that people actually leave their primary jobs. People are encouraged to leave; they are bought out, made redundant, or left in the cold when their jobs move. For Americans closing in on retirement, Fishman sees major implications in two areas: caregiving and job loss at midlife. “If you’re already retired, you may have children entering that catch-up period in their 50s where their employment is newly imperiled. “So if you were counting on help from them, you might get more time from them but less money! I think the environment will push more family members who are available into the caregiving role. “And for workers at mid-career, it’s the

flip of that: You have to try to ensure that your labor isn’t devalued. You need to make sure that you have a good inventory of skills and a strong social network before you find yourself in an employment crisis.” The best way to avoid that crisis, Fishman argued, is to focus on developing differentiated skills. “We have a large group of workers who haven’t kept their skills current,” he said. “You might be a great machinist in your type of factory, but your factory may have a great outsourcing strategy. So you need a more generalizable skill.” Mark Miller is the author of The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work and Living (John Wiley & Sons/Bloomberg Press, June 2010). Subscribe to Mark’s free weekly eNewsletter at http://retirementrevised.com/enews. Contact him at mark@retirementrevised.com. © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Third Annual Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards For Excellence and Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Aging and Quality of Life for Seniors Categories Trailblazer: An individual, community group, business or organization that has demonstrated leadership in advocacy or developed an innovative program, research or training for seniors. Visual or Performing Arts: An individual 60 or older, or a group (members must be 55 or older) who has demonstrated excellence in the visual or performing arts. Health and Vitality: An individual, 60 or older, who demonstrates a commitment to healthy living, and who serves as a role model to others. Photography: An individual 60 or older who demonstrates excellence in photography or photojournalism that portrays “successful aging.”

Nomination Information Select a category. Submit a nomination form (below) and a 500-word-or-less description or recommendation (why the nominee meets the criteria). Visual Arts nominations must be accompanied by photos, slides or a CD of artwork. Photographs must be in .jpg or .gif formats and must not exceed 5MB in size. Performing Arts nominations must be accompanied by a DVD or web link to a video sharing site (e.g., YouTube). Nominations that do not require supporting materials may be faxed to (410) 333-7943. Download additional nomination forms at www.mdoa.state.md.us. For more information, call (410) 767-1064 or 1-800-243-3425.

Nomination Form Person or Group Nominated: Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ Category of nomination: ____________________________________________________________ Nominator Information: ❒ Self Nomination (check box if you are nominating yourself) Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ E-mail form with your recommendation and supporting materials to: jmurphy@ooa.state.md.us

Or mail to: Mr. John Murphy Maryland Department of Aging Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards 301 W. Preston St., #1007 Baltimore, MD 21201

NOMINATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED OR E-MAILED BY APRIL 8, 2011

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Arlington ladies From page 1 cemetery in spring when cherry blossoms burst over the rows of white stones and everything seems dusted in yellow pollen. And in the swelter of summer when the stones blaze in the heat and mourners sometimes pass out at services. Even in winter, when the wind whips through the marble pillars of the Columbarium, Johnson and the other ladies keep their vigil, clinging to the arms of their escorts as they pick their way through the mud and snow. Always elegantly dressed, often in hats and gloves. Always standing, hand over heart, a respectful distance from the grave. Always mindful of history.

Stories behind every headstone The ladies know every inch of Arlington’s 624 manicured acres, from the stones of freed slaves marked “unknown citizens,” to the grave of the first soldier interred here (Private William Christman, a farmer from Pennsylvania who fought in the Civil War), to Section 60 — where the men and women who lost their lives in the current wars are buried. “So many stones, so many stories,” said Paula McKinley, head of the Navy ladies, as she drives through the cemetery, stopping at a section not far from the throngs of tourists at President John F. Kennedy’s grave. Baldwin. Curtis. Sanchez. She walks among their headstones reciting their names. With her booming voice, red hair tucked under a straw hat, and brisk manner, McKinley, whose husband is a retired Navy officer, is a striking figure. But she is subdued by the graves, reverential. “They all deserve to be remembered, and to be visited,” she said. McKinley, who has been an Arlington lady for 22 years, drives a little further. She stops by a grove of willow oaks, searching for a specific plot. “Here you are, sweetheart,” she said, gently touching the stone of a young woman Navy officer who died in an accident at the age of 25. The officer’s mother called from California one day — on her daughter’s birthday — and asked if an Arlington lady could put flowers on the grave. Now McKinley visits regularly. She said it’s the least she can do.

Service started 63 years ago The first group of Arlington ladies was formed in 1948 after Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg and his wife, Gladys, noticed an airman being buried without any family members present, just a chaplain and honor guard. It seemed so sad, and somehow so wrong. So Gladys Vandenberg enlisted a group of officers’ wives to attend all Air Force funerals. The other branches of the armed services, including the Coast Guard, followed, with the exception of the Marines, which does not have a group. The ladies insist they are not mourners. They come to honor, not to grieve. “An Arlington lady doesn’t cry,” is practically a mantra. And yet, there are times when that is inevitable. McKinley remembers choking up as she offered condolences to a 10-year-old girl, who had just lost her parents. The child reached up and hugged her tight. And the time a young widow from Peru clung to her, begging McKinley to sit next to her in the front row. Her husband had died suddenly and there were no family members to comfort her. Linda Willey, head of the Air Force ladies, describes the pain of burying friends from the Pentagon after September 11, 2001, when shards of debris still littered the cemetery and tears flowed freely behind dark glasses. And Mensch tells of the heartache the Army ladies felt last year when one of their own escorts was killed in Iraq. The handsome young soldier from the 3rd Infantry Division, who had escorted the ladies to hundreds of funerals, was buried with full military honors, an Arlington lady standing by his grave. About 145 ladies volunteer in the four branches, which all have slightly different rules. The Army ladies maintain a strict dress code: Pants were banned until last year and now are only allowed as part of a pants suit. Panty hose must be worn at all times. No red is allowed. The Navy ladies introduce themselves to the families before the funeral, and follow up with personal notes about six weeks later. All of the ladies volunteer for one day a month, sometimes attending four or five funerals in a single day. All have memories and stories: the time a family feud erupted and police had to break up the mourners;

BEACON BITS

Mar. 28+

ADVOCATE FOR LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

Montgomery County’s Long Term Care Ombudsman program is seeking individuals to make regular visits to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen promote quality of life for residents and help to resolve problems. This complex volunteer opportunity demands flexible daytime hours during the work week and creativity in problem solving. Training is scheduled for the week of March 28th at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. The course meets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and full attendance is required. To register, contact Eileen Bennett at (240) 777-1067; eileen.bennett@montgomerycountymd.gov or visit the website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ltcombudsman to learn more.

the young widow who wore a red cocktail dress because it was her husband’s favorite; the older widow who refused to get out of the car because she saw the Arlington lady standing near the grave. She assumed this was the other woman. “You never know what to expect, and you never judge,” Willey said as she walks among the headstones and ponders her role. Willey, 63, who is married to a retired Air Force colonel, became an Arlington lady almost by accident, as a favor to a friend who kept pressing her. From her first funeral she knew that this was what she was meant to do. “It just felt right, such an honor,” Willey said. “It’s such a simple gesture and yet it can be so powerful.”

Easing a difficult time As she talks, strains of “America the Beautiful” seem to float over the stones from a grave site a short distance away. Jan Jackson of Fort Collins, Colo., is burying her parents. Their urns sit next to each other on a table above their joint grave. Jackson’s mother died in 2006, and her father, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, died in 2008. She had planned this ceremony on what would have been her father’s 96th birthday. She wanted to honor her parents, married 67 years, by burying them together in the nation’s hallowed ground. As a member of a military family, Jackson, 59, is familiar with the pomp and precision and patriotism that accompany funerals. But she was utterly unprepared for the flood of emotion that swept over her as a young military escort took her arm and guided her from the chapel to the grave. It was a small funeral — just Jackson, her son and grandchildren. And her Arlington lady. Everything about the service was perfect, she said later. And this stranger was there to make it even better — “almost an angelic kind of person who is there for you

even though she doesn’t know you, even though she is not required, even though it is not her job. It was so special, so comforting.” From around the cemetery drift the sounds of other services, bands and gun salutes and drum rolls, one funeral seeming to blend into the next. In one section, three daughters in black dresses and pearls, are burying their father, a former Navy officer who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He had meticulously planned his own funeral, even visiting Arlington regularly to view his final resting place. He smiles from a photograph propped next to his urn. In the Columbarium, decorated veterans, laden with medals, are saluting one of their own — a member of the naval aviation squadron known as the Golden Eagles, and one of the last survivors of the Battle of Midway. And in Section 60, a widow, young and beautiful and dressed in black, clutches her toddler son. Before her, standing to attention, the honor guard that had marched behind her husband’s coffin, pulled in a caisson by six white horses. In the distance, the rifle guard that had fired the salute. In a far corner, the lone bugler who had played taps. On this day, beneath a towering oak, a 27-year-old Army sergeant, killed in an attack in Pakistan a month earlier, is about to be laid to rest. “Today the country tries to say thank you ... and yet words are inadequate,” the chaplain begins. His widow seems overwhelmed, her eyes locked on the silver casket that holds his remains. His parents softly sob. And then a lady steps forward, an older woman, dressed in a simple dark suit. She whispers a few words of condolences and presses two cards into the widow’s hands. “If there is anything you need ...” — AP

BEACON BITS

May 17

50+ EMPLOYMENT EXPO Mark your calendar for the 50+ Employment Expo on Tuesday,

May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriott North Bethesda Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., N. Bethesda, Md. There will be more than 50 recruiters from nonprofit, government, healthcare, retail and technology industries, as well as seminars on interviewing skills, changing careers, online job searching and more. No pre-registration. For further details, and information on how businesses can get a free booth at the expo, contact Micki Gordon at (301) 255-4231 or mgordon@AccessJCA.org.

Ongoing

INTERGENERATIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Interages has multiple opportunities for older adults interested in tutoring or mentoring a child. The organization provides intergener-

ational programs at elementary, middle and high schools throughout Montgomery County. For more information, visit Interages’ website at www.interagesmd.org or contact Tricia Wilson at (301) 949-3551 or wilson@interagesmd.org for more information.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 3

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Lunar New Year Celebration Welcomes the Year of the Rabbit Interim Executive Director Donna S. Dunston, Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs Director Soohyun “Julie” Koo and Executive Director of Emmaus Services for the Aging Rev. Joseph K. Williams cut a ceremonial roasted pig during the celebration. Seniors celebrated with song, dance and the lion dance.

By Donna S. Dunston You might recognize the new face in the photo to the left. It has been around the District’s aging community for some time — first in Ward 7 at Project KEEN as a nutritionist, and later in Wards 1 and 4 at Barney Neighborhood House Senior Program as the project director. I am Donna S. Dunston, and I served as Deputy Director here at the Office on Aging. As the office goes through transition, I will serve as the Interim Executive Director, and I am happy to serve the District residents age 60 and older, their caregivers and families, and the disabled age 18 and older. We are all aware of the fiscal crises many cities are facing across the country. Unfortunately, the District is no different. Mayor Gray and the city as a whole have some very tough decisions ahead of us. All agencies, including those that provide life sustaining services, will have to face some cuts. The Mayor is asking residents to take a hard look and let us know where those cuts can be made. Contact us on our website at www.dcoa.dc.gov, by e-mail at dcoa.dc.gov, and by phone at 202-741-5888. It is very fitting that my debut in “Spotlight” occurs during National Nutrition Month. This year we celebrate the theme Eat Right With Color. This theme recognizes the need to eat an assortment of colorful fruits, vegetables and starches that are loaded with fiber in order to improve your health. Fruits and vegetables in the green, orange, yellow and red hues are full of antioxidant potential and may help reduce risks to the heart, promote our immune system, and reduce cancer risk. Be creative in your meals and your choice of color in your diet. These steps can be an important start to living a healthier lifestyle. Speaking of healthly lifestyles, we are pleased that the new Ward 1 Senior Wellness Center is now open at 3531 Georgia Ave., N.W. Stop by to see what it has to offer, or call 202-727-0338 for more information.

Office on Aging Public Hearing A public hearing on the Office on Aging will be held by the D.C. Council’s Committee on Aging and Community Affairs, chaired by Councilmember Marion Barry. It will be held on March 3 at 10 a.m. and review the Office on Aging’s performance for FY 2010 and FY 2011 to date. It will be held at the Wilson Bldg, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 500 (Council Chambers). Persons wishing to testify about the agency performance during these periods may contact Garret King, Committee on Aging and Community Affairs, at 202-741-0948 or e-mail gking@dccouncil.us. To review the performance plan, go to www.dcoa.dc.gov. Then go to About DCOA and click on Publications.

March 2011

EAT RIGHT WITH COLOR The American Dietetics Association offers the following guidelines for eating right with color. When shopping and planning meals, use foods in the color palette below: Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks. • Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime • Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers. • Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple • Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with

memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risk. • Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins • Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks. • Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon • Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks. • Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches • Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar March events

7th • 10 to 11 a.m.

3rd • 10 to 11:30 a.m. Starting March 3, IONA will hold memory loss support groups for individuals diagnosed with memory loss as well as their families and friends. The groups will be held the first Thursday of each month. The fee is $15 per person per session, and limited scholarships are available. You must pre-register for the group by calling 202-895-9448. IONA is located at 4125 Albemarle St., N.W.

5th, 12th, 19th, 26th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Weekend Nutrition Program presents a film festival, with films shown each Saturday in March. Nutritious snacks will be ser ved. The films will be shown at the Washington Senior Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave., S.E. Contact Program Director Evelyn Minor at 202-581-9355 for a film schedule.

Attend a five-part memory fitness workshop at IONA on Mondays starting March 7. Gain valuable information, resources and techniques to keep your memory sharp. Topics will include normal and abnormal memory changes, health habits to support good memory, managing stress, brain games and other brain fitness strategies. This group is not intended for individuals who have a medical diagnosis of memory impairment, such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The fee is $60, and limited scholarships are available. You must pre-register for the group by calling 202-895-9448. IONA is located at 4125 Albemarle St., N.W.

11th • 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Join the Washington Senior Wellness Center for a Mardi Gras celebration with a parade of costumes. The center is located at 3001 Alabama Ave., S.E. Call 202-581-9355 for more information.

14th • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking will give a presentation on healthcare reform at the

Washington Senior Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave., S.E. Call 202-581-9355 for more information.

22nd • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Access Housing, Inc.’s Senior Services will celebrate National Nutrition Month with food demonstrations and information about local food and nutrition assistance programs. The event will take place at 4301 9th St., S.E. For reservations, call Evelyn Minor at 202-562-6867.

22nd, 29th and April 5th • 10 a.m. to noon A free Senior Wellness Mini-Conference will be hosted by East River Family Strengthening Collaborative KEEN Seniors Program. Speakers and demonstrations will help you energize your mind, body and spirit. Each date includes different information. The conference will be held at 4058 Minnesota Ave., N.E. (adjacent to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station). Enter through the community room. For more information, contact Alia Manshio at 202397-7300, ext. 246.

History and Health Presentation The U.S. Administration on Aging, in partnership with the D.C. Office on Aging, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, and the U.S Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, presented “Your History, Your Health,” a celebration for African American History Month at the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center. The Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center Voices of Inspiration sang Negro spirituals commemorating the history of African Americans and their struggles. Ms. Senior D.C. Sheila Poole also sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Negro National Anthem, first written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, representing patriotism and hope for the future.

Office on Aging Interim Executive Director Donna S. Dunston introduced Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee to discuss her role as an advocate for senior citizens. She briefly addressed the health disparities of African Americans and encouraged those in attendance to continue to participate in federally funded programs, such as the wellness centers and congregate meal programs. She said she would do her part to ensure that they were available. Greenlee also stressed that participation in programs like those provided at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center have a positive effect on the lifespan of their participants. Chief of Staff for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Caya B. Lewis, MPH, talked about the history of African Americans and healthcare. The Hill-Burton Act of 1946 funded the construction of hospitals and allowed African Americans to be treated — but often in separate wings or floors. Medicare was established in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and helped desegregate healthcare. Included in the new Medicare program were stipu-

Interim Executive Director Donna S. Dunston, Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center Director Theresa Moore, Ms. Senior D.C. Sheila Poole, Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, and Chief of Staff for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Caya B. Lewis are pictured at the African American History event “Your Health, Your History” at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center.

lations that institutions receiving federal funds could not be segregated. Now the Affordable Care Act will allow 32 million more Americans to be covered by health insurance. Persons covered by Medicare will receive preventive services, including mammograms and colonoscopies, with no out-of-pocket costs. Other highlights include free annual wellness visits. Brand-name drugs will cost 50 percent less for many recipients. Lewis also encouraged persons to contact 1-800 MEDICARE if they were aware of fraud. She estimated that the changes to the Affordable Care Act will add 12 years to the Medicare fund. Persons needing additional information about health insurance coverage and how the Affordable Care Act can benefit them may call the Health Insurance Counseling Project at 202-739-0668.

Would you like to represent the seniors of the District as Ms. Senior District of Columbia? Applications are now available for District residents age 60 and older who are interested in entering the Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2011. Call 202-289-1510 x1329, x1330 or 202-724-5626 for more information.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher. 441 4th St., N.W., 9th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Donna S. Dunston, Interim Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed, Photographer The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin,

sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Take someone you love on a trip they know nothing about. See story on page 43.

A trip back to rural wonders of yesteryear magnificent setting overlooking rolling foothills, comfortable and casual surroundings, and a full menu of activities with appeal for every age group. If you’re seeking a place to lounge away a weekend or longer, experience colorful tidbits of the past, or participate in a variety of outdoor activities, this is your place.

PHOTO BY MISSY GRAVES

By Victor Block The “T” intersection of two narrow roads that is the closest thing to the center of Syria, Va. (population 370) is the site of the Syria Mercantile Company. It was there that my recent journey into the countryside, as well as the past, began. Three gray-haired men rocked on the front porch dishing the local dirt. Tacked to a bulletin board beside them were handwritten notices advertising chain saw repairs, fishing and hunting guides, where to report wild turkey kills, and “Jessie’s Equisport Therapy — Therapeutic massage for horses.” Inside, aisles were lined with hunting and fishing gear, bib overalls and a mishmash of other goods not seen at my local supermarket in Washington, D.C., about 90 miles away. Stopping at a tiny cubicle near the front of the store that serves as the post office, I paused to chat with the woman inside who was sorting mail. When I inquired what she does about lunch, she replied that she closes up and takes a half-hour break. “I used to take an hour,” she added, “but that didn’t last long. After all, what can you do for an hour here?” After spending a long weekend in the area, I have an answer to that. As a visitor in search of rest and recreation, I found all that I could have wished for — including a rustic, family-owned resort that offers a long list of to-do’s along with a central location convenient for sightseeing. Graves Mountain Lodge combines a

Visiting Madison County Much of Madison County in north central Virginia, a leisurely two-hour drive from Washington, is characterized by rolling fields and valleys that lead to foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A large portion of its western region is within Shenandoah National Park, where Skyline Drive follows the crest of the mountain chain. The county got its name from the family of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States (1809-1817), which owned land there. Agriculture is still the dominant industry in the area, with beef and dairy cows, grains and fruit the major products. Some descendants of early settlers from England, Germany and Ireland who still live in the county are farmers like their ancestors. The tiny town of Madison, which serves as the county seat, offers interesting historical tidbits along with some fun and funky attractions. A number of houses built during the 18th and 19th centuries line a five-block stretch of Main Street. Even more intriguing to me were businesses with deep roots in the past. At the

Graves Mountain Lodge offers numerous outdoor pursuits, from horseback riding to fishing, as well as a variety of accommodations on the 1,500-acre property.

PHOTO BY FYLLIS HOCKMAN

Madison Drug Company, established in 1856, I paid 10 cents for a Coca Cola and the same for a cup of coffee. While agreeing that she loses money charging those prices, store owner Margie Lamar insisted that she’s not going to raise them. Housed in a somewhat rickety building dating back to 1925, the nearby Feed Store, while not as old, provides an equally colorful trip back to the past in terms of atmosphere. In keeping with its name, the establishment sells a variety of animal food, along with what a sign describes as “Antiques & Collectibles.” That refers to a clutter of items hanging from rafters, stacked on tables, and jammed into every nook and cranny. Bits and pieces of antique decorative glass share space with old-fashioned toys. Clocks and oil lamps stand near a unique hand-carved cider press bearing a $1,500 price tag. That was one of the few articles I saw whose asking price was marked. When I asked the salesperson on duty about that, he replied, “Well, the owner knows the price of everything.”

Enjoy grand homes, outdoor sports

Author Victor Block inspects grapes at DuCard Vineyards near Shenandoah National Park. The vineyard uses solar power and has an extensive recycling program.

If Madison epitomizes the image of a sleepy small town, the surrounding countryside combines a bucolic air with an enticing choice of sightseeing and activities. Within a convenient car commute are

well-known destinations like Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home and Montpelier, the home of James Madison. Another president, Herbert Hoover, built a fishing retreat along the banks of the Rapidan River that is open to the public. Oenophiles face an equally inviting selection, with three wineries that offer tours and tastings. Prince Michel Vineyards and Winery is a gracious estate with a “seethrough” sampling room that has magnificent views of the surrounding fields and expansive lawns. Along with the de rigueur hospitality center for tastings, Sweely Estate Winery boasts an attractive boutique and art gallery. In addition to being Virginia’s newest winery, DuCard Vineyards makes other claims to fame. Visitors sample its wines as they take in a vista of vines against the backdrop of Shenandoah National Park. In addition, the operation follows “sustainable” practices, like extensive recycling and the use of solar power. For those seeking more active pursuits, Graves Mountain Lodge can serve as a convenient home base. For example, both casual walkers and experienced hikers find scenic trails that wind through hemlock forests, pass rushing waterfalls, and lead to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge See RURAL WONDERS, page 41

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Rural wonders From page 40 Mountains. Those seeking a short stroll may prefer the Doubletop Mountain nature trail through woods on the resort, with the names of trees and plants posted along the way. The more challenging Rose River trail leads to three waterfalls and the remains of an early settler’s cabin. Still more exercise, and more dramatic scenery, await hikers in White Oak Canyon who pass by six waterfalls, and those who accept the challenge of the scramble up 3,291-foot tall Old Rag Mountain. Rather than walking, wading — or simply casting a line from shore — is likely to appeal to those for whom fishing is exercise enough. Mountain streams are home to both native and stocked trout. Fish-andpay and catch-and-release ponds teem with trout, bass and bream. The Hoover Camp on the banks of the Rapidan River combines fishing good enough for a president with a touch of history. Herbert Hoover built his simple fishing cabin near the headwaters of the upper Rapidan. It was known as the “Brown House,” and served as a retreat from the White House during his presidency (1929-1933). An avid fisherman, Hoover selected an outstanding location, as the Rapidan has been ranked among America’s best trout streams. There are other options for those who prefer to experience the outdoors in different ways. Several public golf courses welcome players from low-handicap to duffers. Bird watchers may look for a variety of nesters in woods, spot bluebirds and other winged residents in boxes located throughout Graves Mountain Lodge property, and sight bald eagles perched near river banks or flying overhead. Rockhounds can uncover samples of unakite (pyrite), jasper, and blue and rose

quartz along the Robinson and Rapidan rivers, or the Rose River which runs through the 1,500 acres of Graves Mountain Lodge land. Even those who limit their exploration and activities to the resort itself find plenty to fill the hours and days. Guided hourly or full-day horseback rides begin at stables on the property. During warm weather, guests may swim in the large pool or perhaps recapture youthful memories with a dip in a swimming hole in the Rose River.

Enjoy the simple pleasures If you’re looking for a full-service luxury resort with television, a telephone and other in-room amenities, Graves Mountain Lodge may not be for you. Instead, it’s a place where you can fill your time with an enticing choice of activities or, as some prefer, simply rocking, reading and relaxing. Views from the setting look out over expansive groomed lawns, apple orchards and gentle hills. Seasonal apple picking, hay rides and other rural recreation increase the sense of times past. An educational farm holds interest for city slickers of all ages. Horses, goats, pigs, sheep, cows and other four-legged residents graze contentedly in fenced fields. My wife Fyllis and I were awed by the size of Monticello, a Holstein that was the third cloned cow in the United States and dwarfs its bovine Black Angus companions. Our attention also was attracted by three very friendly pigs that trotted to the fence surrounding their pen to greet Fyllis and me, hoping for a tasty treat. Even accommodations at Graves Mountain Lodge become part of the experience. Some houses and cabins that augment traditional motel rooms are perfect for guests who prefer to stay in a bit of history. Pete’s House is an early 1800s two-story cabin, Boxwood is a two-story house built in 1856, and Wild Wind Cottage, perched

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on a hilltop, was expanded from a oneroom schoolhouse. No matter what their accommodations, guests are immersed in a piece of the past, offered a varied choice of activities, and surrounded by scenery as beautiful as it is restful. What more can one want in a getaway destination so close to Washington? Nightly rates at Graves Mountain Lodge, including three meals a day, begin at $79

per person in motel rooms for two, and range from $85 to $135 a person in cabins. Some cabins with a full kitchen can accommodate up to 18 guests, and may be rented without paying extra for meals. These are priced at $255-$335 a night. For more information, call (540) 923-4231 or log onto www.gravesmountain.com. Victor Block is a Washington, D.C.-based travel writer.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 19

ANNAPOLIS TOUR

Tour historic Annapolis, Md. with a colonial attired guide by motorcoach and foot in a trip sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority on Saturday, March 19 from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 5:30. The bus picks up at three Fairfax County locations. The cost is $76. To register, call (703) 222-4664. The code for this trip is 316 192 1801.

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Springtime Trips The Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, WV April 10-12

A resort worthy of a head-of-state, The Greenbrier represents the height of elegance. You’ll enjoy afternoon teas and gourmet dinners in the formal dining room. During your stay you can indulge yourself at the luxurious spa, partake of the abundant recreational and athletic facilities, tour the famous bunker and the Presidents' Cottage Museum, take a carriage ride, and try your luck at the brand-new MonteCarlo-style casino. Or you can just relax in beautiful surroundings and elegant gardens.

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Savannah, GA. In Charleston you’ll visit the historic district, the Water Front, the Old City Market, and Magnolia Plantation. In Savannah you’ll tour River Street, the historic districts, and Colonial Park Cemetery; cruise the Savannah River; and, as a special treat, enjoy lunch a t P a u l a D e e n ’s L a d y a n d S o n s Restaurant.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Something different: a mystery vacation land, Mexico and several U.S. destinations. She tells him in advance how long they’ll be gone, then does the rest, including packing.

15 days of surprises In October, the Whites flew from Providence, R.I., to Washington, D.C., before continuing to Denver. Karin White threw in a red herring by telling him they were only overnighting in Rocky Mountain National Park, then leaving Colorado. The next day, White assumed they were heading back to the airport until his wife “stopped the car, ran around [to his side of the car] and said, ‘I’m blindfolding you.’” A few minutes later, at the YMCA of the Rockies, the blindfold was removed to reveal 23 family members who had come from North Carolina, Florida, California and Colorado to celebrate his 70th birthday. After a four-day reunion, they traveled to Sedona, Ariz., where they went hot-air ballooning. They then helicoptered over the Grand Canyon, and stayed in the same room on the North Rim where they had stayed after their wedding a dozen years ago. “I don’t think she told me the rest of the

BEACON BITS

Mar. 8

TRAVELING WITH IMPAIRED SIGHT

If you have low or no vision, you’re invited to a meeting of the Low Vision Group on Tuesday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon sponsored by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. Guest speaker Gail Snider from the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind will discuss how to travel independently with impaired sight. A complimentary lunch is provided. The event will be held at Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., N.W., Room 1A19. To reserve your place, call Washington Hospital Center’s Department of Ophthalmology, (202) 877-6081.

March

TRAVEL WITH ARLINGTON SENIORS

Arlington County’s 55+ Travel has scheduled 14 trips for the month of March. Among the trips planned are Tuesday, March 8, Philadelphia Flower Show and lunch, $89 (Arlington resident)/$92 (non-resident); Sunday, March 27, Occoquan Inn brunch, $32/$37; and Tuesday, Mar. 29, National Aquarium and lunch, Baltimore, $72/$75. Registration is required. Call (703) 228-4748 for more information.

AP PHOTO/HEATHER CORNWELL

By Karen Schwartz Blindfolded, 1,500 miles from home, 70year-old Paul White was being driven along a twisting mountain road to an unknown destination. No, it wasn’t a kidnapping, or even a mystery novel. It was a mystery vacation. From the moment White left his house in East Sandwich, Mass., until well into the 15-day vacation his wife spent two years planning, he didn’t know where he’d be going or what he’d be doing. The same thing happened to Heather and Brian Cornwell, of Jacksonville, Fla., after her father arranged a 10-day “scavenger hunt” vacation as a wedding gift. Ditto for the hundreds of women who have traveled with Pink Bus Mystery Tours out of Fargo, N.D. But a mystery vacation isn’t for everyone. While some laud it as an adventure free from the hassles of trip planning, others say it’s unnerving giving up so much control. White is one of those who love it. His wife, Karin, organizes their mystery getaways, which have lasted from a day to two weeks. She has whisked him off to Eng-

Linda and Chuck Wright (couple on the right) planned a mystery trip to Colorado as a wedding present for their daughter Heather and her husband Brian Cornwell. Most people enjoy the spontaneity and freedom of going on such trips, but some find the surprise element unnerving.

trip until we left the North Rim,” White said, explaining that he then participated by mapping out a leisurely drive to Arches National Park in Utah. They spent two days there before returning home from what White described as a practically perfect trip. The blindfold “was the only little bump,” he said. “That startled me.”

A traveling scavenger hunt Heather Cornwell, 34, was given a choice for a wedding present: cash or an

all-expense-paid trip to Colorado. The Cornwells, who juggle family obligations, full-time jobs and university studies, liked the idea of having someone else make the plans. “We wanted the trip to be fun and exciting,” said Chuck Wright, Heather’s father. “We came up with the idea of a twist on a scavenger hunt.” The first stop was a lodge in Riverside, Wyo., accompanied by Wright and his See MYSTERY TRIPS, page 44

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Mystery trips From page 43 wife, Linda. That night, Cornwell recalled Wright telling them: “Tomorrow you need to wear clothes that can get wet. Bring Ziplocs for your camera.” But she added: “We had no

idea what we were going to be doing.” After a day of fly-fishing, the Wrights returned home to Fort Collins, Colo., leaving the Cornwells to continue solo. “We couldn’t sleep that night,” Cornwell said. We were very excited.” The next morning, the proprietor handed them an envelope and a map of hiking

BEACON BITS

Apr. 27+

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TOUR

Visit Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where Harriet Tubman was born and worked as a young slave girl, and tour many underground railroad sites, traveling north along the route fleeing slaves took. The trip is sponsored by Montgomery County’s SOAR active travel program for older adults. The day trip will be offered on both Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $65, which includes lunch. Register online at www.recweb.montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-4926 for more information.

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

trails. The instructions told them to drive to Steamboat Springs, Colo., shop for three days’ worth of food, and continue to a lakeside campground in Routt National Forest. (Wright had packed their truck with camping gear.) The letter also told them to leave two days later, stopping by the Ranger Station in Yampa, where another set of instructions had been e-mailed. Those led them to a hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colo., for two nights, and then to the REI store in Denver by 5 p.m. on the third day, where the Wrights were waiting in the parking lot with tickets to a Rockies-Red Sox game. Cornwell said the trip was better than their honeymoon to Scotland and Ireland because of the “excitement, adventure and love” that went into planning it. “As an adult, your life is all about where you have to be next and what you have to do next,” she explained. “It was such an amazing thing to relinquish control of your life for a minute.”

Some caveats But not everyone loves that feeling. Lynnette Cashman said she felt “a little out of sync” during a 30th anniversary surprise planned by her husband, who normally leaves travel arrangements to her. She knew something was up two months ago when she saw credit card charges for a four-day trip to St. John’s, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but that was all she was allowed to know. “I felt more shut out than anticipatory,” she explained. Although she appreciated her husband’s efforts, thought St. John’s was beautiful and the trip relaxing, she said she felt “annoyed at times” and “detached” at others. “I’m not a go-with-the-flow person,” said Cashman, a retired accountant from West Chester, Pa. ”I like being in charge.” Still, others are so intrigued by mystery tours, they sign up for them on their own. Women pay $200 for a four-person room and an unknown adventure with Pink Bus Mystery Tours (www.thepinkbus.net)

from Saturday morning until Sunday night. “It’s sisters, or sisters and moms, or high school friends that have gotten together and they decide to go away for a weekend,” explained co-owner Debbie Carriveau. Activities have included boating, train rides, winery visits, belly dancing, cooking demonstrations, pottery factories, dairy farms and more. Clients receive a post card with a suggested packing list, which will sometimes include a teaser, like “bring an apron,” she said. The company has offered six to eight weekend trips annually for four years departing from the Fargo area. But they’re now attracting so many participants from elsewhere that this year a full tour originated in Milbank, S.D., 140 miles away. And next year, Pink Bus will try something new: A flight to a destination revealed in advance — California’s Napa Valley. To preserve the mystery element, though, participants won’t be told the itinerary or activities. White says that for him, mystery trips are the only way to travel. As a sculptor with employees, he said he would find it impossible to focus on planning a trip. “I think it’s fantastic. It fits my personality,” he said. “Once I leave I’m fine, but it’s very difficult for me to get out the driveway.” His wife’s subterfuge is so good that once, after driving for five hours, White thought they were lost somewhere in Maine — until they got out of the car and into a boat for a trip across Chesuncook Lake to a bed-and-breakfast. On another occasion, without telling him they were going to England, she tricked him into getting a passport by having his daughter tell him that she was getting one, and he should, too. “I sometimes wake up and realize this isn’t fair. I’ve never taken her any place and she loves to travel,” White said. “But she also loves to plan.” — AP

BEACON BITS

Mar. 7

FUN AND FITNESS CRUISES Learn about upcoming Fun and Fitness cruises at a lunch on

Monday, March 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Pistone’s Restaurant at Seven Corners, 6320 Arlington Blvd. (Rt. 50), Falls Church, Va. There will be an Irish theme and free bingo with a prize of $200 off a cruise. The discounted luncheon price of $12 (cash or personal check) includes a choice of five entrees, taxes and your choice of coffee, tea or soda. Call (703) 827-0414 or (703) 655-4205 for reservations. For more information on the cruises, see www.Fun-Fitness.com.

Ongoing

BLOSSOMS BEYOND THE TIDAL BASIN Take a free self-guided tour in the National Arboretum to explore the arboretum’s collection of flowering cherries of various shapes,

sizes, flower colors and bloom times, including trees that have been created by arboretum scientists. The tour covers several miles of roads, and can be driven, biked or walked. Pick up a brochure in the visitor information trailer or download one at www.usna.usda.gov. The National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Cruise lines may start to nickel and dime Overall, 2011 should be a good year for I believe the mass-market cruise lines cruising. Other than an occasional and un- will sense the same pressures — and see predictable weather or methe same opportunities. They chanical problem, a cruise already charge for dining in should remain an enjoyable some premium shipboard and reasonably priced vacavenues, and a few charge for tion option. special entrees (notably steak But if you haven’t cruised reand lobster) even in their regcently, you may see a few surular dining rooms. prises. The biggest change in I expect to see that pattern cruise pricing I expect to see is continue. In a few years, mac more “a la carte” pricing. and cheese may be the only The mass-market cruise “free” entree remaining on lines have seen the huge prof- TRAVEL TIPS main dining room menus, its that airlines are reaping By Ed Perkins with surcharges for almost from various fees and charges, everything else. You also aland I think they’d like some of the same. ready see extra charges for “special” You can blame the basic trend on the In- desserts — and “special” can have elastic ternet. Online comparison sites have made meanings. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it easy for you to compare various cruise some surcharges for “special” onboard enoptions side by side, and coming out on tertainment features, too. the low end of a price search has become Fuel surcharges, mandatory essential to many travel suppliers. Most airlines have kept their base prices tipping Fuel surcharges may stage a comeback, low by charging fees for features that were once “free” or included in the base price: especially if the price of oil climbs above meals, beverages, pillows and blankets, current levels. Historically, those surchecked baggage (even carry-on baggage charges have been small compared with on one line), paper tickets, talking with a airline charges, but you can expect to see real person on the phone, advance seat as- some. Also, historically, some lines tried to signment, priority boarding — you name carve out a portion of the true price and it, some airline is charging for it.

tack it on later as “port charges.” I’m not sure whether this will re-emerge: Initially, the Florida attorney general’s office stepped in to protect consumers against this particular deception, but attorneys general change, and you might see this scam again. If you haven’t cruised in a while, you might be surprised to see that most massmarket lines now add a mandatory tipping charge to your bill, typically $10 to $12 per person per day. Many cruisers seem to like this idea — it simplifies what once was a big mystery about whom, and how much, to tip. Although the cruise lines set the tipping rates, they generally allow you to adjust your total payment up or down through the purser’s office. The mandatory tipping programs cover only cabin stewards and dining room staff. Most lines add a standard 15 percent to all bar bills. Mandatory tipping is most prevalent among the mass-market lines serving North America. Cruises in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific are more likely to adhere to the older system. According to my friends at Cruise Critic

(www.cruisecritic.com), Disney and Royal Caribbean are the only two mass-market lines that still adhere to the old system: They “suggest” amounts, but leave it to you to hand each tipped staffer the traditional “white envelope” with cash at the end of the cruise. But even these lines have some standard-tipping options.

Luxury ships unaffected I do not expect a la carte pricing to hit the up market lines as it will the less expensive operators. As far as I can tell, the high-end cruise lines will continue to bundle most onboard services, as well as tipping in the base daily rates. But of course, these rates are much higher than on the mass-market lines. So, while I expect base cruise rates to remain steady, one way or another you’ll probably end up paying a bit more. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@ mind.net. Perkins’ new book for small business and independent professionals, “Business Travel When It’s Your Money,” is now available through www.mybusinesstravel.com or www.amazon.com.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Father asks, share the wealth now or later? Whenever my friend orders a second us both Cup Two, I was asked to consider coffee, I know the discussion is about to this question: get intense. And what could Why should my wonderful be more intense than the unchildren have to wait until I’m holy mixture of money and dead to get my money? Why adult children? can’t I give most or all of it to I have kept several Starthem now? bucks in business during previThe situation is an enviable ous money-children debates. one in many ways. Whether to pass control of a Papa Bear (my two-cup company to an ungrateful and friend) is 70-ish. He was a prounder-talented son. Whether fessional all his adult life. He to pay college tuition for a HOW I SEE IT never made millions, but he grandchild whose parents can’t By Bob Levey made many, many thousands. afford it. Whether to cut a horHe lives frugally and always rendous daughter-in-law out of a will. And has. His mortgage is paid. His long-termother true toughies. care insurance policy is bought. He has at But the other day, as the barista served least three years worth of savings in the

A three-part series:

March 24 (Thurs.), 1-3 pm • Let Go of Clutter, Let go of Stress

March 31 (Thurs.), 1-3 pm • The Nitty Gritty of Clutter Control

April 7 (Thurs.), 1-3 pm • Goodbye to Clutter: What’s it Worth? Who Wants it? Where to Discard it?

Fee: $10 to include workshops, handouts, and a lite bite. Register today. Deadline March 18th, 2011. Space limited

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240-777-8085

DEPARTMENT

bank. He isn’t going to miss any meals. His children are not nearly as settled or as safe. One daughter, 35, has a child with special needs. She and her husband would like to buy a house, but most of their money goes to support the child with nurses and equipment. The other daughter, 37, wants to start a business, but she lacks that initial blast of cash. Papa Bear would like to be the answer to both prayers. He asked my advice. We agreed that the Internal Revenue Service is very firmly in Papa Bear’s way. You can’t give more than $13,000 to any human in any one year without tax consequences. So if Papa Bear helped either daughter, or both, beyond the $13,000 threshold, he’d be paying a third relative: His Uncle Sam. Estate law isn’t on Papa Bear’s side, either. If he passes his money to his daughters via a will after his death, they will duck all taxes (as long as an expert crafts his estate). If he does otherwise, his estate will pay tons in taxes, unnecessarily. And we agreed that being 30-something is not like being 10. Papa Bear’s daughters are fully fledged adults. They shouldn’t be looking to Papa Bear to be the enabler, forever and ever, amen. And yet…sips coffee…stares into space…“I’ve been really lucky,” Papa Bear said. “I was born at the right time. I was able to do everything I wanted while I was younger, and I provided for my retirement at the same time. “And now I can actually say that I have more money than I need.” Being a hopeless wise guy, I announced that he was therefore going to buy my third cup of coffee. He smiled and agreed. But then the smile faded. “It just isn’t the same these days. When we were in our 30s, there was nothing in our way. Nothing except our own limitations. “For my kids, it’s much different. The economy isn’t going to be back on its feet for years. They have no savings. They have no union protection. They are eager to be part of the system, but the system is making it hard for them. Why shouldn’t I help?” I pointed out that many great family relationships turn sour over money — not just when money is withheld, but when it’s given. I told the tale of a friend whose daughter has been feeding at the daddy trough throughout her adulthood. Daddy figured it was better to keep this up — paying her rent, paying her car insurance, paying for her vacations — than to see her suffer. So, of course, she now suffers — because she thinks Daddy should be doing more. Of course, she’s spoiled and wrong. But that

doesn’t keep hard feelings from forming. Papa Bear said there’s no such worry with his daughters. His concern: that he will be more inclined to help the daughter with the special-needs child because her issues are more severe and more immediate. That way lies jealousy and recrimination, he suspects. I told him I suspect the same. Treating adult children equally has only one meaning: Equal numbers of dollars ladled out to each child, regardless. “But what do I do if my grandchild needs to go to a special school?” You make sure that the other daughter gets an IOU, with her name on it, for the same amount, I said. And you make sure you live up to it. Then came the toughest question of all: Whether his daughters would start to resent Papa Bear if he doesn’t do anything to help them before he dies. “They know I can help,” he said. “They know I want to help. I’ve told them so. But telling them so may have been a mistake. “Now they halfway expect that help. They haven’t come right out and demanded money. But they know it’s in the conversation.” Obviously, you can’t un-have a conversation, I pointed out. So rather than living in fear of the one you had, have another, I said. Tell your daughters that you want to help them, but you’ll do it as a partner, not as a banker, I suggested. Tell the daughter with the special-needs child that you will go 50-50 on a loan to build a wheelchair ramp in front of their house. Tell the other daughter that you’ll invest in her business, but as a venture capitalist would, not as Santa Claus would. And maybe you can try what a much richer friend once tried. He was facing many of these same issues, I told Papa Bear. So he decided to create an investment account that he and his children would manage jointly. That account has grown by more than 300 percent over the years. Best of all, the adult children helped that growth happen by “tending the garden.” As a reward — agreed on in advance — the adult children can withdraw any profits at any time. They pay taxes on what they withdraw, but it’s a small (and expected) price to pay. Papa Bear smiled a Cheshire Cat smile. “I think you’ve just hit on the right answer,” he said. I raised Cup Three and offered a toast: “To Papa Bear and his various cubs. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

See useful links and resources at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

Remembering the Home Page 6

Opening multiple chapters by Emily Tipermas

One beauty of life is the

Photo by Richard Greenhouse

March 2011/No.20

sudden appearance—when least expected— of new roads to explore and new opportunities to pursue. Sid Levy, a resident of Revitz House, has experienced this twice, both times in wonderful and unexpected ways. When Sid suffered a debilitating heart attack at age 49, his doctor ordered him to abandon a demanding career in retail sales and switch to a less stressful occupation. These were tough, discouraging words by any measure, but, through a fortuitous series of events that led Sid to Arnold Engravers in Washington, DC, life shifted miraculously back on track. “Let’s see what you can do,” said owner Arnold Preziotti, who needed help operating his engraving machine. As a test, Sid was told to engrave a sterling silver cigarette box for the Russian Embassy. The task was accomplished quickly, opening the door to Sid’s new occupation. His “second chapter” of life had officially begun.

Sid Levy is surrounded by memorabilia from the Clinton and Reagan administrations in his Revitz House apartment.

Sid eventually bought the business and Arnold Engravers became one of the busiest engraving businesses on the east coast. His customers included nearly every association in DC, the White House, U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofits, universities, and religious groups. Fate now had another challenge for Sid, one that brings our story to Charles E. Smith Life Communities. In 2007, when Sid

was arranging long-term nursing care for his wife at the Hebrew Home’s Wasserman Residence, an admissions counselor pointed out the advantages to Sid of moving to Revitz House, located just a few steps away. Sid, gregarious by nature, was finding that living on his own was difficult and socially isolating. He realized that in addition to the obvious convenience, Revitz provided access to a host of amenities (including a delicious nightly dinner) and the prospect of new friendships. Sid’s decision to relocate to Revitz (his wife sadly passed away soon afterward) could not have been a better one: Sid has discovered renewed purpose and joy in this “third chapter” of life. Today, he is busy with card groups, runs Bingo, and, to cap things off, a year ago he became the popular president of the Revitz House Residents Association. In this role, he has pumped a special energy into the social scene, showing association members how to apply their dues to planning lively parties, financing the purchase of a flat screen TV, and even treating administrative >> continued on page 3

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • LANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE

Assisted living Memory Center

Tour new Ring apartments

Senior Discounts

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When it comes to comprehensive rehabilitation services, the Hebrew Home’s Rakusin Rehabilitation Center has it all: outstanding occupational, physical, and speech therapy. In addition, a Wellness Program includes healthy learning lectures, senior fitness tests for residents, families, and friends, assistive device tune-ups, physical balance clinics, and speech hearing clinics. For more information about inpatient rehabilitation call 301.770.8476. To reach therapy director Srilekha Palle, call 301.816.7757.

Rakusin Rehabilitation Center

Preliminary rendering of Cohen Rosen Memory Center.

New therapy reduces recovery time Most people take for granted the natural ability to swallow - until they lose it. Dysphagia is the inability to properly swallow food due to a stroke, cancer, injury to the esophagus, or certain degenerative disorders. Until recently, the only treatments for Dysphagia have been through speech therapy, patient education to assist with swallowing maneuvers, pureed food, and in severe cases, inserting a feeding tube. These are lengthy, uncomfortable, and sometimes ineffective. Fortunately, break-through technology offers a dramatically new type of treatment: Vitalstim Therapy. The Rakusin Rehabilitation Center at the Hebrew Home is proud to announce that it has become one of the few providers in the DC metropolitan area to obtain the technology for this therapy. Srilekha Palle, Executive Director for the Center, explains that Vitalstim Therapy can shorten treatment time by half. In a series of daily or tri-weekly sessions, electrodes are placed externally on throat muscles, stimulating them to contract and enabling the patient to relearn swallowing patterns. The Rakusin Center is dedicated to providing evidence-based, state-of-the-art therapy to the hundreds of patients who arrive annually for treatment. By adding Vitalstim Therapy, the Center has enhanced its role in critical rehabilitation services. ■

Cohen Rosen Memory Center Judy and Richie Cohen, dedicated supporters who have experienced first hand the loving care the Home provides, have become the lead donors in the Charles E. Smith Life Communities’ $30 million Centennial Campaign. One of the initiatives supported by this campaign, the Cohen Rosen Memory Center, an 18-suite state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s assisted living residence, will be named after their parents. This project is currently proceeding through the regulatory process and should break ground late this year. The Centennial Campaign, chaired by Audrey and Marc Solomon, was publically announced at the Centennial Gala and has raised $21.5 million to date. ■

Training the next generation of caregivers Our campus is not only a place of caring, but a center for sharing 100 years of expertise as well. Our university affiliations include:

News from

University of Maryland • School of Nursing, 16 BSN students complete clinical rotations on our rehabilitation units. • School of Pharmacy, 38 students. • School of Social Work, one student. Johns Hopkins University • Nurse Practitioner student completes her clinical practicum. Montgomery College • Health Information, 10 students complete a rotation in Medical Records. • GNA Training Program. Instruction and clinical rotation for new aides in a program repeated three times a year. • Certified Medicine Aide Program, clinical rotation.

Vitalstim Therapy shortens recovery time for patients relearning how to swallow.

Page 2 | March 2011

Howard Community College • School of Nursing, students do clinical rotations with our infection control nurse. ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Ring House, Revitz House, and Landow House: all special places to live at Charles E. Smith Life Communities! We invite you to learn more by contacting us at 301.816.5012.

What was great just got better... take a tour of new Ring House model apartment

Opening multiple chapters continued from page 1 staff to a Chanukah luncheon at Ambrosia Restaurant. “Sid has instilled a sense of community here that is stronger than you can imagine,” says Diane Stern, Revitz Administrator. “And,” she adds, “he is kind, compassionate, and an inspiration to all of us.” Not a bad way to be viewed in life’s “third chapter!” ■

Fresh, updated bathrooms feature a comfortable walk-in shower and attractive finishes. New carpeting and distinctive moldings make the living room warm and inviting.

Finding inspiration for a new career

New kitchens at Ring House boast granite countertops, pendant lighting, brand new appliances and beautiful cabinetry.

Residents enjoy books, computers with Internet access, and the daily newspaper in the library. Ring House has a convenient location, many amenities, and caring staff that continue to make this community an outstanding choice.

LifeTimes

Gladys Valencia is one of 16 housekeepers who have found inspiration at the Home to pursue a career in nursing.

Individual washer/dryer brings convenience into each apartment. In addition, large-capacity machines are available on each floor.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

"Where I come from, there are no nursing homes; we take care of our parents," notes Sigismond Terry, a geriatric nurse assistant (GNA) and medicine aide at the Hebrew Home. Caring for our elderly seems a natural extension of caring for his own parents in Africa. In his initial position as a housekeeper, Terry seized every opportunity to develop strong connections with residents; now as he has advanced his career in nursing, he’s in a position to accomplish even more. Gladys Valencia also became a certified GNA, and she encourages former co-workers in housekeeping to pursue their dreams just as she did. More than 16 Home staff have used housekeeping as a springboard to nursing, and all are devoted to our residents, their “substitute parents.” ■ March 2011 | Page 3

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

“Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?” That’s the Roman statesman Cicero speaking in ancient times, but his question is no less relevant today. Generation to Generation, a monthly publication of Charles E. Smith Life Communities, spotlights Senior Discounts along with other topics specifically geared toward seniors and their families. Visit the Newsroom at www.hebrew-home.org to explore our newsletter archives.

Generation to Generation Senior Discounts: Find ‘em, Use ‘em! Based on a positive response to “Thrifty is Nifty,” a past issue dedicated to senior discounts in the DC area, we now offer more on this topic. These discounts reflect the growth of local bargains in retail, services, and entertainment. Our full list of discounts is posted at www.hebrew-home.org. • Bally Total Fitness: At any Bally, seniors 62+ pay $24.99/month without a contract as opposed to $45.00/month with a contract, and are exempt from the $50 enrollment fee. Mention seeing the listing in LifeTimes to get the special rate. www.ballyfitness.com • Banana Republic: At White Flint Mall in Kensington, seniors 50+ get 10% off regular and discounted prices. Call store for details at 301.468.5777. www.bananarepublic.com • Dunkin Donuts: Seniors 55+ get a 10% discount on food and beverages at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza location. www.dunkindonuts.com • Edible Arrangements: Fresh fruit bouquets for every occasion, seniors 65+ get $5 off orders by mentioning the Home with code #HEBRO145. Call 1.877.DoFruit®. • G Street Fabrics: Seniors 60+ get 20% off all purchases at the 5520 Randolph Road, Rockville location. You must mention the Hebrew Home. This offer cannot be added to, or combined with, other discounts. www.gstreetfabrics.com • Hersheypark: For 2011 season, 1-day admission for seniors 55-59 is $32.95; “Seniors Plus” (70+) pay $21.95. hersheypark.com • Jiffy Lube Service Center: Seniors 55+ get $5 off all auto maintenance/repair services. Go to www.jiffylube.com to learn about other deals. Page 4 | March 2011

• Junk Junkers: Their 500 sq. ft. truck hauls away heavy furniture, TVs, and more. Seniors 55+ receive a 10% discount on their “more load per dollar” service. Serving Montgomery Co. and DC. Call 301.760.9552. • Kohl’s: Every Wednesday, seniors 62+ receive a 15% discount on clothing, home furnishings, beauty, electronics, toys, and more. www.kohls.com • Nabacu Eastern Medicine Centers: Seniors 65+ receive a 5% discount on massages, acupuncture, and consultations. Located at 9420 Key West Avenue, Suite 320, Rockville MD 20850, 301.637.0186. www.nabacu.com • Simply Computers: Computer help, repair, installation, training, networking for 25 years. Seniors 55+ receive a 20% discount. Convenient home service. Call 301.279.2846. www.simplycomputers.net • Washington Jewish Week: Connect to the Jewish community with a subscription for only $36 for a year ($38.16 w/tax in MD), or two years for $68.00 ($72.08 w/tax in MD). Rate applies to seniors 55+. For more information, call Circulation at 301.230.6680 or email circulation@washingtonjewishweek.com. • Westwood Cleaners: Dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, shoe repair. Seniors 60+ get 10% discount on dry cleaning, 20% for 5 or more items. Located in Rockville, opposite Ring House. Call 301.770.6766 ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Initiatives In these tough economic times, people appreciate and look for good value, whether in purchases – from a book to a donut, or in services – from dry cleaning to computer repair. Bottom line: value is imperative. Seniors considering a new home will find value in the options available on the Charles E. Smith Life Communities campus. Seniors may be surprised at how affordable it is to live at Revitz House or Ring House. Residents of Revitz House enjoy nightly kosher dinners and benefit from having utilities, a personal emergency response system, social services, recreational activities and a wellness program factored into their rent. At Ring House, a range of apartment sizes and rental rates are available. Kosher breakfast and dinner, biweekly housekeeping, a personal emergency call system and our award-winning activities program are included in the monthly rent. Residents of both communities have access to free campus bus service to shopping, banking and cultural events. The Hirsh Health Center, our outpatient medical clinic exclusively devoted to senior medical care, accepts Medicare assignment and most major insurance plans. Please call 301.770.5012 for more information about senior living or a tour, or call Hirsh Health Center at 301.816.5004 to schedule an appointment. ■

Perspectives “A penny saved is a penny earned.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790

LifeTimes

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Bring the spring season into the room of a Hebrew Home resident with a colorful arrangement of flowers. Flowers brighten Shabbat and other special occasions. For information or to place an order, contact the Hebrew Home’s Volunteer Department at 301.770.8333 or online at www.hebrew-home.org/family.

IT MAY BE USED… BUT IT’S NOT USELESS! Consider donating your car to the Hebrew Home. Proceeds benefit our elderly residents. It’s an easy, tax-deductible gift… and we offer FREE towing. For more information,

please contact us at

301.770.8329.

We have launched freshly redesigned websites for the residences and services on our campus. As the sites are all inter-connected, it’s easier to “move” around our campus electronically. This bar appears at the top of every page and it is your entrée to every service. No matter where you are on our website, you can click here and be taken directly to the home page for the campus, for Hirsh Health Center, or for an individual residence or program.

Connect to a directory of key staff on our campus. Click on a name to send an e-mail.

This quick sign-up will bring you campus e-news and access to special features, such as our popular Senior Discounts list.

Click on this logo to return to the home page as you travel through our site.

This column also includes links to social media sites.

This column contains campuswide news. Here you can find links to news, events and opportunities to get involved.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ceslc Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/hhgw Connect to us on LinkedIn search: Hebrew Home Find videos on YouTube search: Hebrew Home

Find a map of the campus, driving directions and addresses to enter in your personal navigation system.

This part of the home page contains links specific to the residence/ service.

ACCESS US AT: Campus-wide overview: www.smithlifecommunities.org Nursing and rehabilitation: www.hebrew-home.org

Every residence has a virtual tour.

Assisted living: www.landowhouse.org Independent living: www.revitzhouse.org and www.ringhouse.org

LifeTimes

www.smithlifecommunities.org

March 2011 | Page 5

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Traditional Passover Seder Checklist ■ Matzah ■ Wine/Grape Juice ■ Charoset (Apples, Nuts, Cinnamon, Wine/Grape Juice) ■ Parsley or other vegetable to dip ■ Horseradish or Romaine Lettuce ■ Shank Bone ■ Hard Boiled Egg ■ Salt Water

Chag Sameach and Thank You!

Other Items: ■ Matzah Cover ■ Elijah’s Cup ■ Seder Plate ■ Candles ■ Haggadot ■ Afikoman Holder

The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington

LifeLines In Our Mailbox Dear Mr. Slavin: It is with a mixture of regret and gratitude that I write this letter: regret because my aunt, Charlotte Rivlin, a resident of Smith-Kogod for 11 years, passed away on December 1; gratitude because she spent those years in the company of the most caring, kind, and effective staff possible. She almost reached her 99th birthday, and I am sure the excellent nursing and medical care she received, as well as the true friendship of S-K employees at every level, contributed to her longevity. I am so indebted to Betty Graham, Calistos Nswosu, Olga Shelton, Georgette Faye, Collins Onjiko, Nancy Grossman, Krista Viishio, and volunteer Ellen Davis, among the many others who tended to Charlotte with such devotion. It will be very hard for me to drive on Rockville Pike, as I do so often, without stopping by to visit my aunt and the many friends I, as well as she, made during her stay there. Please accept my sincerest thanks to you and to all those at the Hebrew Home who serve the elderly with such care, love, and compassion.

Gratefully, Harriet G. Berlin

Patient Service volunteers Aaron Erez, Lily Groh, Gail Klein, Sydell Rappaport, Dr. Yvette Rubianes, Ralph Shapiro, and George Spectre come from all walks of life, but they share a joint mission: to ensure every rehabilitation patient has a positive experience. They will find an engineer to repair a TV remote, ask the dietitian to stop by, or report a concern to nursing, and their reports go to top levels of management. “I can’t think of anything more rewarding,” said one volunteer as the group was honored at a breakfast with CEO Warren Slavin, Pat Carter, Hedy Peyser and Patty Hagen. LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community. David A. Samuels, Chair Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Marilyn Feldman, Editor Nicholas Simmonds, Vice President, Development and Public Affairs

Dora Edlow remembers the Home A third generation Washingtonian, and proud of it, Dora lived on the same block of Gerard Avenue as both sets of her grandparents. From them she learned about where her family had come from originally—from Romania and from Berditchev in the Ukraine. From an early age, she was aware of her maternal grandparents’ involvement in founding the Hebrew Home in Washington, a connection Dora herself maintained throughout her entire life. Dora Edlow’s connection will in fact continue forever with the generous bequest she made to the Hebrew Home. She included a single line in her simple will: “I direct that my residuary estate be directed… to the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland.” As a former patient in our Rakusin Rehabilitation Center, Ms. Edlow knew firsthand how much the community depends on our service. We will be able to enhance our support of the frail elderly because of her generosity. If you would like information about how to include the Hebrew Home in your estate plans, please check out the new Will Planner on our website. For a personal meeting, please contact our director of gift planning, Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP® at 301.770.8342 or at GiftPlanner@hebrewhome.org. ■

Page 6 | March 2011

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

When Gathering Estate Planning Information… Our FREE booklet helps you record important details regarding your assets and the location of your will. We offer more assistance, too, including an opportunity to discuss, without obligation, ways to include the Hebrew Home in your estate plans. Please call 301.770.8342 or mail this form to: Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP®, Director of Gift Planning Charles E. Smith Life Communities 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville MD 20852-4856

Name Address City/State/Zip Phone/E-mail For a personalized illustration showing how you can receive income for life, please list your birth date: LT 3/11

EventMakers The Centennial Gala Video , Suburban Cara Bowen by os ot ph a Gal

Gala Co-chairs, from left, Stanley and Sandy Bobb, Arlene and Steve Friedlander, Helen and Leonard Abel, Vivian Pollock, the Honorable Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn, Barbara and Alan Hurwitz, and Phyllis and Ron West, greeted more than 1,000 Gala attendees. Barbara Landow Bernstein not pictured.

Comedian Richard Lewis mingled with guests at the Centennial Gala at the Washington Hilton and as emcee, brought his quick wit and humor to the December 11 event. Lewis, who co-stars in the HBO hit series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is pictured with Chair-elect Andrew Friedlander and Susan Moatz.

>>Topping $1 million was cause for celebration for 2010 Guardian Campaign Co-Chairs Rob Selzer and Jeff Pargament. The Guardian Committee raised $1,159,472 to ensure the highest quality of care for Hebrew Home residents.

Second season gets underway Fourteen students, ten of them new to the program, kicked off the second season of the Harold and Shirley Robinson H2YP Youth Philanthropy Program by going on a scavenger hunt that took them through the huge laundry and kitchen facilities in the Wasserman Residence. They also “met” the new high-tech training manikin purchased with last year's H2YP funding. This program gives high school students an

unusual opportunity to review grant applications and choose how charitable dollars are allocated at the Home. The students had a wonderful opportunity to hear from Pearl Lake, long-time volunteer and family member, who described the amazing impact the Hebrew Home had on her family. The next meetings are devoted to five grant presentations for proposed programs and services at the Hebrew Home. In April, students will determine the grant awards and in May, they will present the winning grants at their final celebration. For more information about this program, contact Lisa Friedman at 301.770.8328. ■ Michelle Pargament, Deborah Gross and Michelle Sandler take notes on a presentation at a H2YP meeting. The 14 students act as a foundation board, reviewing grant proposals and allocating charitable funds.

LifeTimes

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Aunt Minnie Luncheon Check our website for news of this exciting event!

March 2011 | Page 7

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Save the dates

Joint programming with the Jewish Community Center and their new partnership with Jewish Residents of Leisure World has brought a burgeoning number of seniors in the community to Monday programs at Ring House, an independent-living residence at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. “The programs the JCC holds at Ring House are so well received by the seniors who participate in them that they expanded their ‘Coming of Age’ program at the residence to every month,” says Carol Cohen-Wolfe, a Charles E. Smith Life Communities administrator. “Coming of Age” is offered at several venues throughout the region. It is promoted by synagogues, senior centers and retirement communities and backed by a number of local agencies. The program is funded by Federation, the Foundation, and the State of Maryland. Jewish Social Services Agency has taken the lead, in partnership with JCC and Jewish Council for the Aging, to administer these program dollars to benefit seniors aging in place. To receive a monthly notice of “Coming of Age” programs, or to register for a program and make a lunch reservation, contact the Jewish Community Center, Senior Services Department, at 301.881.0100. ■

May 11 101st eting Annual Me air

an, Ch Mark Klaim e d Residenc o g o -K h it m S

3 2 y a M on unche

nnie Ler, Honorees i M t n Au n Garn air nd Do on, Ch s Judy a n i b o R Paula am 11:00 ac Potom , r e t n Ce Bolger

June 22 Bu

ilder the Fu s of ture Rin g Hous e

A Unique Partnership

Ring House residents have access to free bus transportation to local shopping centers and cultural events.

✓ check 8111 or for CFC ■ ✓ check 49705. Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way ■

Lillie Levy and her family, pictured here, and Eleanor Yedwab with her family spoke on video about their personal experience at the Hebrew Home. The video was shown at the Centennial Gala and is now posted at www.facebook.com/CESLC.

16 r e b o t Oc n Home Ru un un r 10k/5k/f laza Federal P

Our Other Special Events To honor Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Ring House celebrates Crazy Hat Day March 2, with a Parade of the Hats in the afternoon. Purim celebrations in March, Passover Seders in April and Cinco de Mayo festivities in May — check monthly programs and trip schedules for each residence online.

For more information about community events, resident programs and family support groups, visit www.hebrew-home.org and www.smithlifecommunities.org

Page 8 | March 2011

How to reach us... ■

■

Hebrew Home 301.770.8476, Rehab 301.770.8450, Long Term www.hebrew-home.org Revitz House 301.881.7400 www.revitzhouse.org

■

Hirsh Health Center 301.816.5004

Ring House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

www.smithlifecommunities.org

■

Landow House 301.816.5050 www.landowhouse.org

Volunteer Programs 301.770.8333

LifeTimes

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Style

Arts &

Jazz musician Dave Brubeck enjoys a resurgence of attention at 90. See story on page 58.

Great songs and singing carry Waters’ bio So how does this show compare? Well, Mitchell is superb, holding the stage accompanied only by William Knowles on piano/keyboard. But His Eye is on the Sparrow falls short of Mahalia’s depth. That’s unfortunate, as Waters’ life was quite dramatic. She was born as the result of a rape in 1896, lived a childhood of grinding poverty, was wed and divorced by age 14, and suffered from the effects of severe racism. But Waters nevertheless built an international career as a headliner in concerts, starred on Broadway, had hit records, was nominated for an Academy Award, and toured with evangelist Billy Graham. Maybe there was just too much life for writer Larry Parr to cram into one show along with 17 musical numbers. Mitchell does her best with the exposition-filled breaks between songs, filling us in on Waters’ drive to break free of the unrelenting misery into which she was born. But it is really a connect-the-dots exercise, with substantial leaps in time and emotional growth that do little to explore the woman’s inner being. As a result, we don’t really get to know Ethel Waters except through the music. Generally, what emotion there is to be found here is in the soundtrack, not the story. That’s helped by the fact that Mitchell is a more robust singer than Waters was herself. Mitchell may even be a more dynamic, energetic performer.

Bernardine Mitchell brings a powerful voice and stage presence to her portrayal of singer Ethel Waters in MetroStage’s production of His Eye is on the Sparrow.

That’s especially evident in her a capella rendition of 1934’s “Little Black Boy,” focusing on a lynching. Mitchell’s voice, alternately trembling and resonant, is richly evocative here, encapsulating the pain of a lifetime into one song. In “Taking a Chance on Love,” Mitchell

lets us see the joyful woman Waters might have been without all the early pain. Mitchell is equally effective with other Waters hits, such as the title song as well as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Dinah,” “Am I See WATERS, page 56

Classic play. New vision.

HORTON

FOOTE March 16 – April 3

Tickets: 240.644.1100 or ROUNDHOUSETHEATRE.ORG

Photo of Lizan Mitchell and Jessica Frances Dukes by Roger Mastroianni, Cleveland Play House

Script lacks drama

PHOTO BY COLIN HOVDE

By Michael Toscano She’s really a force of nature — a charismatic singer with a richly powerful and expressive voice. She’s Bernardine Mitchell, a Helen Hayes Award winner who has generated quite a following for herself through a series of outstanding performances at area theater companies in recent years. Now she’s back at MetroStage in Alexandria, Va., starring in a musical biography of Ethel Waters, the great gospel, jazz and blues singer of the 1920s through the 1950s. The show takes its name from one of Waters’ biggest hits, the spiritual His Eye is on the Sparrow. And while it provides only a cursory exploration of Waters’ life, Mitchell gets deep into the music that created the legend. In recent years, MetroStage has created a home for shows about 20th century African American singers. It’s a shrewd move in a competitive theater environment: The shows can be mounted inexpensively, and successfully marketed to both targeted and general audiences. And when there’s a powerhouse performer such as Mitchell featured, ticket sales are healthy. Mitchell is no stranger to MetroStage audiences, having starred in such shows there as Three Sistahs and Mahalia, the story of Mahalia Jackson. The latter show, which earned Mitchell one of her Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (the other was for her work in Arena Stage’s Blues in the Night), was brought back for a second smash run last year.

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Waters From page 55 Blue,” “Cabin in the Sky,” and “Frankie and Johnny.” Waters had material from some of the

M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

great tunesmiths of the 20th century, and they’re represented here with Harold Arlen’s “Stormy Weather,” Irving Berlin’s “Suppertime,” and “Old Man Harlem” from Hoagy Carmichael. The most piquant biographical mo-

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ments seem to be when Waters expresses her distaste for white people. That’s all white people, not just the overt racists who tormented her. Such feelings seem justified at first, but later appear pathological. It is a subject that Waters, as shown here, eventually has to confront. Mitchell guides us through that journey with sensitivity, and the twists that occur pay the only substantial dramatic returns to be found with the spoken word here.

A life in review Director Gary Yates moves Mitchell around the simple set, trying to generate energy despite the many flat biographical monologues. Complicating his challenge is the way the writer, Parr, has built the story. It is told by Waters as she looks back on her life, rather than as she is moving through it. Waters was known to be a far more forceful (some would say combative) person through much of her life than we see here. Her personality probably enabled

her to overcome the dire circumstances she faced and the racism she endured. But she had mellowed considerably towards the end of her life, so the direction of the narrative dulls the scope of her dramatic life and the force of her personality. So there’s not really much Yates can do with Parr’s script, other than to get Mitchell through the words and back into the songs as efficiently as possible. And that’s what he has done. And with Bernardine Mitchell, getting into the songs is really all one needs to be thoroughly entertained. His Eye is on the Sparrow continues through March 20 at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal Street in Alexandria, Va. Free parking is available. Shows are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $50 and can be reserved by calling 1-800-494-8497 or visiting www.boxofficetickets.com. For more information, visit www.metrostage.org.

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Mar. 15

CELEBRATE IRELAND Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Friendship Terrace Retirement

Community will host the Wind Ensemble of the Greenbelt Concert Band for “A Celebration of Ireland!” on Tuesday, March 15 at 2 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Friendship Terrace Retirement Community is located at 4201 Butterworth Place, N.W. in Washington, D.C., two blocks from the Tenleytown Metro station. For more information, call (202) 244-7400 of visit www.friendshipterrace.com.

Want to meet other seniors and enjoy yourself? Could you or your loved one benefit from having help or supervision during the day? Come learn new skills, share interests and develop friendships at our two supervised adult day programs.

Mar. 13

PIANO CONCERT The Piano Society of Greater Washington presents a concert and reception Sunday, March 13 at 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran

Church, 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. Enjoy piano works by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Berg performed by pianists in our area who have won competitions and are world-class musicians. No charge; a freewill offering is appreciated. More information is available at www.pianosocietyofgreaterwashington.org or (301)793-1863.

Mar. 15

POEMS OF LADY LUCK On Tuesday, March 15, poets Janée Baugher, Sarah Crossland and Elisavietta Ritchie will read their works on the theme of

“Reversals of Fortune,” whether those fortunes be good or bad. The program will

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Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St., S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed. For further information, visit www.loc.gov/poetry.

Mar. 12

PRINTMAKING DEMONSTRATION Lila Oliver Asher, a Washington-area printmaker for over 60 years, will give a demonstration of her work on Saturday, March 12 at 2

p.m. Her lino-cuts, which often include mother and child motifs, will be on display from March 2 to 27 at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 2nd Floor, 8230 Georgia Ave., ®

Silver Spring, Md. For more information, call (301) 273.3660 or see www.washingtonprintmakers.com. Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® www.AccessJCA.org

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

2010–2011 Season

Join the NSO for a thrilling season of music to live by. MARCH AND APRIL CONCERTS

Iván Fischer, conductor József Lendvay Jr., violin ROSSINI, La gazza ladra–Overture PAGANINI, Violin Concerto No. 1 SCHUMANN, Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish”

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Kelley O’Connor, mezzo-soprano Zakir Hussain, tabla Shankar Mahadevan, vocals Hariharan, vocals

Thu., Mar. 31 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Apr. 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. AfterWords: Thu., Mar. 31 performance followed by a free discussion with Iván Fischer, József Lendvay Jr., and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon. The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation

ROUSSEL, Padmâvatî—Excerpts Z. HUSSAIN, Concerto for Four Soloists (NSO Commission)

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Dawn Upshaw, soprano

Thu., Mar. 3 at 7 p.m. | Fri. & Sat., Mar. 4 & 5 at 8

WEBERN, Im Sommerwind GOLIJOV, She Was Here MAHLER, Symphony No. 4

The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Cédric Tiberghien, piano Tristan Murail, ondes martenot

Thu., Apr. 7 at 7 p.m. | Fri., Apr. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Sat., Apr. 9 at 8 p.m. ZAKIR HUSSAIN

AfterWords: Thu., Apr. 7 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Dawn Upshaw, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon.

MESSIAEN, Turangalîla-Symphonie Each night, the first half of the program is a primer to Messiaen and Turangalîla, introduced by music scholar Joseph Horowitz and featuring Cédric Tiberghien, Tristan Murail, and Christoph Eschenbach. After intermission, the work is performed in its entirety.

Thu., Mar. 10 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Mar. 11 & 12 at 8 AfterWords: Fri., Mar. 11 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Cédric Tiberghien, Tristan Murail, Joseph Horowitz, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor and piano

Twyla Robinson, soprano Matthias Goerne, baritone MOZART, Piano Concerto No. 23 ZEMLINSKY, Lyric Symphony

FRIDA MATIN Y EE

maximum INDIA is presented in cooperation with Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi and Embassy of India, Washington, DC. Co-Chairs Indra K. Nooyi David M. Rubenstein Stephen A. Schwarzman Dr. Romesh and Kathleen Wadhwani

Kurt Masur, conductor Sarah Chang, violin MENDELSSOHN, Ruy Blas–Overture BRUCH, Violin Concerto No. 1 BRAHMS, Symphony No. 1 Thu., Apr. 28 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Apr. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m.

Presenting Underwriter

The HRH Foundation Executive Council

SUND AY MATIN EE

Thu., Mar. 17 at 7 p.m. | Sat., Mar. 19 at 8 p.m. Sun., Mar. 20 at 1:30 p.m. AfterWords: Thu., Mar. 17 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Twyla Robinson, Matthias Goerne, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon.

Major support is provided by David and Alice Rubenstein. Additional support is provided by the Trehan Foundation, Dr. Romesh and Kathleen Wadhwani, Amway Corporation, and RB Properties Inc. International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts. SARAH CHANG

Kennedy Center Concert Hall

Tickets from $20 at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at kennedy-center.org | Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524 General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season. The Beacon Newspaper is the proud media partner of the NSO.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

At 90, Dave Brubeck continues to swing Bouncing back from illness His doctors were concerned that Brubeck might not be able to perform again when the jazz icon checked into the hospital after complaining of dizziness and fatigue. His recovery after surgery hastened when his manager, Russell Gloyd, brought him an electric piano to play, and his doctor noticed an almost instant improvement. “He said, ‘You know, what this does for you is maybe more than I can do for you. I think you’ll be able to play again just from hearing you,’” said Brubeck, who thanked hospital staff by playing the standard “Show Me the Way to Go Home” on a piano in the hospital foyer as he was being discharged. In December, his quartet was voted the best small jazz group in DownBeat magazine’s annual Readers Poll — an honor the Brubeck Quartet first received in 1953 and would repeat frequently until the mid-1960s. “My first reaction to them was, ‘this is the longest intermission I’ve ever taken,’” Brubeck joked. “It’s really a triple surprise to have this happen at this time in my life.” Brubeck’s current quartet has developed the intuitive interaction that comes from years of playing together. Drummer Randy Jones has been in the band since 1979, alto saxophonist-flutist Bobby Militello since 1982, and bassist Michael Moore since 2001.

AP PHOTO/THE CANADIAN PRESS, PAUL CHIASSON

By Charles J. Gans Dave Brubeck gingerly made his way to the bandstand through a packed Blue Note jazz club in New York, and a smile lit up his face after he sat down at the piano and began playing a Duke Ellington medley he dedicated to “my favorite jazz composer, pianist, musician and friend.” Brubeck mixed standards and originals drawn from his nearly 70-year career in a 90-minute set that left time for only a shortened version of “Take Five,” the late alto saxophonist Paul Desmond’s catchy oddmetered tune that surprisingly put the Brubeck Quartet at the top of the pop charts nearly 50 years ago. Brubeck, 90, could easily have excused himself from the recent sold-out Blue Note gig: It came just a month after he was discharged from Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut following heart surgery to install a pacemaker. But he felt a strong motivation to perform with his quartet. “It’s the love of the music and the love of being with the group, because we have such a great time,” said Brubeck, speaking by telephone from his home in Wilton, Conn. “I could kind of not work so hard anymore, but that might be a bad thing. My personal doctor said, ‘You know, Dave, when you start playing, things start looking up, so I don’t advise you to stop. You need to play.’”

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck continues to perform and compose at age 90. Two CD anthologies of his work, with songs from more than 60 years of recordings, were recently released.

Three of his sons — Chris (bass and trombone), Darius (piano) and Dan (drums) — recently completed a “Brubecks Play Brubeck” British concert tour honoring their father’s work. “I love very much to see my sons carrying on the tradition,” said Brubeck, who no longer performs outside North America. In 2009, Brubeck’s Dec. 6 birthday fell on the day he was feted at the Kennedy Center Honors with a White House reception hosted by President Barack Obama followed by a gala concert that included a surprise performance by his four sons.

Documentary by Clint Eastwood Then, in honor of his 90th birthday last December, Turner Classic Movies broadcast Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way, a new documentary directed by Bruce Ricker and narrated by Alec Baldwin. Its executive producer was Clint Eastwood. “Dave is an authentic American hero who is grounded in creating beautiful music,” said Ricker. “His character is formed by his fingers at the piano and there’s no dishonesty when you hear the music.” Eastwood, who also appears on camera interacting with such Brubeck admirers as Star Wars director George Lucas and

Sting, enthusiastically backed the project. “My early love of jazz coincided with Dave Brubeck appearing on the scene in the late 1940s and ‘50s,” Eastwood explained in a statement. “This gave me the opportunity to see Dave in person. And as jazz was developing as a great American art form, this provided an inspiration for artistic achievement as I began pursuing an acting career.” Ricker, who had access to Brubeck family photos and rare BBC performance footage, said the film shows that Brubeck has “this artistic ambition that really transcends jazz,” evidenced by his embrace of classical music and his later interest in composing sacred music. Ricker says a central theme is Brubeck’s relationship with his wife and lyricist, Iola, whom he married in 1942 after proposing on their first date. Brubeck said the final scene of the documentary moved him the most: It’s when he is seated at the piano at Eastwood’s ranch with Iola, who asks him to perform “All My Love,” a ballad he wrote for their 1999 wedding anniversary. See BRUBECK, page 59

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The USM Annual State Legislative Rally has been rescheduled to Wed., March 9, 2011. Tickets already purchased are still good. If you bought tickets for Jan. 25 and cannot attend on March 9, e-mail unitedseniors@verizon.net for a refund.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

Brubeck From page 58

New CD anthologies The documentary is complemented by two double-CD anthologies, “The Definitive Dave Brubeck on Fantasy, Concord Jazz and Telarc” and “Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend” (Sony Legacy) that together “give a complete picture of Dave Brubeck” with recordings from 1942 through 2004, said Gloyd, who produced both compilations. “Legacy” includes the two best-known tunes from his classic quartet with Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright, and drummer Joe Morello: “Blue Rondo a la Turk” and “Take Five,” from the breakthrough 1959 album “Time Out” which experimented with exotic time signatures. Brubeck recalled that Columbia executives blocked the album’s release for almost a year before the label’s president Goddard Lieberson intervened. “They said we never put out music that people can’t dance to, and they can’t dance to these rhythms that you’re playing,” said Brubeck. “And you broke another rule [they said] when you have all originals on one LP, and also you want a painting on the cover and we’ve never done that. ... I insisted that we go with something new, and to their surprise it became the biggest jazz recording they ever made.”

Brubeck based “Blue Rondo” on a 9/8 rhythm that he heard Turkish street musicians playing during a 1958 State Department-tour that also took him to Poland, where he composed the Chopin-inspired “Thank You (Dziekuje)” as a tribute to the freedom-loving Polish people. That tour deepened his belief that jazz could absorb foreign influences like a sponge. French composer “Darius Milhaud, my teacher, told me, `Dave, travel the world and keep your ears open,’” said Brubeck. Brubeck continues to compose new works, including the symphonic “Ansel Adams: America,” a multi-media project inspired by the photographer’s nature images. It had its premiere last April in Stockton, Calif., near the cattle ranch where Brubeck grew up. Brubeck, who converted to Catholicism in 1980 after composing a Mass, envisions an afterlife where he could see again his parents, brothers and his colleagues — Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Art Tatum and all the great pianists. “If there’s a heaven, let it be a good place for all of us to jam together and have a wonderful, wonderful musical experience,” Brubeck said. “We had so many great musicians that contributed so much, and they were all my friends, and that’s why I’d like to see them again.” — AP

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLNEY THEATRE CENTER

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on the Bible stories about Joseph and his brothers, opens the 2011 season at Olney Theatre Center. Alan Wiggins stars as Joseph, with Eleasha Gamble as the Narrator. The musical runs through March 20.

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Mar. 29

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

Enjoy a free chamber music concert of string duos by Beethoven, Handel-Halvorsen and Saraste, part of the Brucker Hall Chamber Music Series by the United States Army Band. The concert will take place on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Brucker Hall at Fort Myer in Virginia. For more information, call (703) 696-3399 or log onto www.usarmyband.com.

Mar. 6

CHORAL CONCERT

Cantate Chamber Singers will welcome the Maryland State Boychoir as special guests in a performance of D.C. composer Andrew Earle Simpson’s “A Crown of Stars,” an oratorio celebrating love across world traditions and through the ages on Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. The concert will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4900 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. For more information, see www.cantate.org or call (301) 986-1799.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Letters to Editor

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

From page 2 2. Greedy developers who exploit the desire of elected officials to maintain themselves in positions of status and financial comfort. 3. Spoiled brat yuppies who think they are entitled and agree with the makeover of the city to suit their own personal lifestyle and convenience. LeRoy Hall Washington, D.C. Dear Editor: Countering the original paradigm of remaining in your old home is the increasing desire by ‘empty nesters’ to downsize and move to urban areas. Counties that are doing more to create housing that enhances the lives of empty nesters are thriving. Government can certainly help [by] changing zoning and housing regulations to encourage “mixed” commercial and residential use, more open spaces, safer pedestrian crosswalks, bikeways, better lighting, more public spaces, more accessible public transportation, greater expansion of “universal design” concepts, more moderately priced senior housing. Government alone does not create great places to live and grow older — private sector businesses, retailers, developers, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, social service providers, architects, religious and civic institutions must work together to make downtown neighborhoods more age-friendly. Aging in Place has evolved and the demand for “empty nester” housing is rapidly growing. Capitalizing on it involves energetic, pragmatic public and private collaboration. Charles Kauffman Bethesda, Md.

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Mar. 16

SAVING THE OCEAN The film Mission Blue features the work of oceanographer and

National Geographic explorer-in-residence Sylvia Earle. It is part of a major

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NEWS & FEATURES • LAW & MONEY • FITNESS & HEALTH LEISURE & TRAVEL • ARTS & STYLE • VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS We are pleased to offer both First-Class and Third-Class subscriptions:

National Geographic initiative to raise awareness of the need to protect the world’s oceans. The screening will be followed by a discussion between Earle, the first female chief scientist of NOAA, and award-winning, local environmentalist and filmmaker Robert Nixon. The film will be shown on Wednesday, March 16 at

$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send my subscription to:

7:30 p.m. at the National Geographic headquarters at 1145 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. The cost is $10. For more information, see

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http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events or call 1-800 647-5463.

Mar. 26

TALL TALES FROM TEXAS A young reporter arrives in a Texas town to interview an ornery cowboy and mingle with several of the town characters in an a

cappella performance by the Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus and Quartets. Youth Reclamation Project is the featured quartet. There will be two performances on Saturday, March 26, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Theatre, S. Second St. and Old Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 seniors; $10 in advance. For more information, call (703) 521-9331 or see www.thearlingtones.com.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box below. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

Caregivers CAREGIVER – College educated (in English & Literature), more recently counselor to special needs people, will provide excellent support/companionship/assistance for you. CPR/First Aid certified. Low rates, call Amy 301-592-9449. QUTECARE HOUSEHOLD STAFFING SERVICES Dependable and attentive domestic service solutions. *Senior caregivers/companions *Housekeepers *Personal assistants/Errand Services *House & Pet Sitters. No placement fees, carefully screened personnel. We do not accept Medicaid, private services only. 301-217-0024. www.qutecare.com. LOVING HOME CARE “Care you can trust and afford.” Licensed, bonded, insured. Companionship, hygiene supervision, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc. Loving, dependable caregivers for LiveIn/Out, FT/PT. Call for your FREE consultation: 301-490-1146. www.lovinghomecare.org. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. CAREGIVER AVAILABLE Live-in/out days/nights, car, cook, experience, excellent references. MD/DC/Northern VA. 703-408-1347. LIVE-IN NURSE with 25 years medical experience and a heart for the elderly. Will provide live-in care for your loved one. Call Liz at 240672-1767.

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. HOME. BUSINESS. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526. COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, and more. Learn at your own pace with gentle and patient tutor. We also fix computers, setup your new computer, and troubleshoot. Working with Seniors since 1996. Ask about your Senior discount. Call David, 301762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

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Entertainment

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 PM. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html.

JUST WAIT ‘TIL YOU SEE IT! Fabulous renovation! New kitchen with up-graded appliances, wood floor, pretty cabinets, granite counter tops + breakfast bar! Fresh paint & new carpet! More! Call Nancy Einwaechter @ 301-4606976 to see this super condo at 3330 North Leisure World Blvd, today. 2BR, 2BA – 1195 sq.ft. $172,000. Weichert Realtors 301-681-0550.

OWN 20 ACRES Only $129/mo. $13,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas, (Safest City in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures 866-257-4555 www.sunsetranches.com.

FOR RENT LEISURE WORLD 55+, 2BR/2BA, almost new hi-rise, 8th floor, 9ft ceiling, enclosed balcony to stunning view, washer/dryer, parking, storage, no pets, cable TV included for $1,300. Call 301-251-1998 evenings/weekends/leave message.

CEMETERY PLOTS (2) – King David Memorial Gardens Falls Church, Virginia. “Prime Location”. Bargain: only $3,000 BOTH (less than half cemetery price). Call 301-984-7584. Leave message.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LEISURE WORLD® - $119,500. 2BR 1FB “Hampton” model with access to Broadwalk. Wood floors, upgraded carpet, recent updates. 1200 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $89,000. 1 BR 1FB “A” model in “Greens”. Close to the elevator, new paint and carpet, enclosed balcony. 850 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-9283463. LEISURE WORLD® - $99,000. 2BR 1FB 2HB “Berkeley” townhouse with new appliances, fresh paint and carpet, custom Florida sunroom. 1600 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $89,900. 1BR 1FB “A” model in the “Fairways”. Fresh paint and carpet, updated kitchen, close to elevator. 850 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $114,900. 2BR, 2FB “F” model in the “Greens”. Enclosed balcony, close to the elevator. 1115 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® -$89,000. 2BR 2FB “Warfield” model with updated kitchen. Needs some TLC. 1030 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $99,000. 2BR 1FB 1HB “Elizabeth” model. Rare first floor location with custom patio enclosure, Extras and upgrades. 1308 Sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $219,000. 2BR + den, 2FB “R” model in “Fairways”. Ceramic tile enclosed balcony, table space kitchen, garage parking, new carpet. 1420 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $119,000. 2BR 2FB “Riviera” model. Loaded with extras and upgrades, covered carport parking. 1273 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $109,000. 2BR 2FB “Warfield model on second floor. Remodeled kitchen, new appliances, recent HWH and AC. Enclosed porch. 1043 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1350. 2BR 2FB “N” model in Turnberry Courts. Garage space included. Top floor with table space kitchen. 1042 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $92,000. 1BR 1FB 1HB “B” model in “Fairways”. New paint and carpet. Ready to move in. 930 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $139,000. 2BR 2FB “GG” model in “Greens”. Fresh paint and carpet, garage space included, enclosed balcony, golf course view. 1195 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD N A C H O

B A K E A C I R A L I K L G E

P H I L

From page 62.

A L O O F

W A Y T O

O N P O P

S S E

T A L F L L L I A A N N I E L Y A O A R R L D D A E R B A R C S

I D I O T

N O T R E

A S T A R

M U L A S A C E S S T O L E

G E L I D

R E E V E

S E L E S A T P E E S I D S E E A N S S E D

E C L A I R M E L T T S P

A M I G O

R I S E N

A I S L E S E A T

I D L E K S S E L M A

S I T S

T A L E S

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 16. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors. LEISURE WORLD TOWNHOME 1600+ sf with beautiful sunroom addition. Open, spacious living room, dining room, 2BR, 2BA. New carpet, flooring and paint. Inviting kitchen with sunny window. Full size washer, dryer. All utilities included. $123,000. Barbara Michaluk 240506-2434, Weichert Realtors. LEISURE WORLD CONDO 2BR, 2BA. Ground level walk-out to grassy area and golf course view. Enclosed porch. Kitchen has updated cabinets, backsplash. Neutral carpet and paint. Great for pets! All utilities included. Covered parking space. $108,800. Barbara Michaluk 240-506-2434, Weichert Realtors. LEISURE WORLD CONDO IN FAIRWAYS 2BR, 2BA. Beautifully fully remodeled kitchen with quality maple cabinets, quartz countertop, backsplash. Sunroom overlooking fountain. Neutral carpet and paint. Ceramic foyer. Extra large storage closet. $122,900. Barbara Michaluk 240-506-2434, Weichert Realtors. WESLEY HOUSE SENIOR APARTMENTS – Offering 2 bedrooms for immediate occupancy! Grand community room with kitchen, laundry room, fitness room, library, deck/patio, controlled access, B8, B9, & H6 bus lines at your door. Quietly located in Ft. Lincoln, N.E. Age and income restrictions apply. Please call 202-8327020 for more information. EHO. LEISURE WORLD - $100,000, 2BR 2FB second floor garden style condo with elevator. Remodeled kitchen. Master bedroom has dressing area vanity, double sinks. New baseboard heaters and AC. Balcony, carport. 1,237 sq.ft. Ellyn Pollack, Long & Foster, 301-717-8639 NORTH POTOMAC – Beautiful furnished room; private bath, TV, WIFI, refrigerator, utilities included – Also, large furnished basement apartment with private bath. Call 240-9888276. ***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043.

For Sale

FREE HD FOR LIFE! DISH Network. $24.99/mo. - Over 120 Channels. Plus $500 BONUS! Call 1-800-915-9514. DIRECT to home Satellite TV $19.99/mo. FREE installation, FREE HD-DVR upgrade. New customers - No Activation Fee! Credit/Debit Card Req. Call 1-800-795-3579. STEEL BUILDINGS: 3 only 16x20, 25x28, 40x52. Selling for Balance Owed! Free Delivery! 1-800-462-7930 x202.

Health FREE PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD Save 10% - 60% on your prescriptions over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide to get your free card, call 888-559-5524. ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with MEDICARE or PPO. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies (mask, tubing, etc) to prevent infections & sores. Plus, FREE home delivery. Call (866)933-2435. CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS - up to $17/Box! Shipping paid. Sara 1-800-371-1136. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com. VIAGRA 100mg & CIALIS 20mg. 40 Pills + 4 FREE, $99.00!! #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet! The LITTLE BLUE PILL! 1-888-4527484.

Home/Handyman Services MICHAELS HAULING Clean-outs, scrap & debris removal yard waste, etc. Mulch, dirt & stone delivery, lite dump truck, 20’ trailer & bobcat. Fully insured. 240-388-1898. SPRING IS ALMOST HERE, plan now to downsize, move, donations, auction galleries. New York, New England, Beaches. Expert owner, 33rd year. Paul Casey, 240-631-9178. Cell 301-3513840. Retired, U.S. Navy WWII, Bonhomme, CONNOISSEUR, and CRÈME de la CRÈME. HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE Wednesday and Thursday. Own transportation. Excellent references. Over 10 years experience. Please call Lucille at 202-882-7957.

Classifieds cont. on p. 63.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, offer a personal service, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Commercial Party Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing commercial business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one commercial ad.

The Beacon, Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword

Puzzle Page

NEW! Daily Crosswords on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus

Figures of Speech 1

by Stephen Sherr 6

Across 1. Apprehends 5. Turner and Fey 10. Corn units 14. Sadly 15. ___ of reality 16. Early 10th century year 17. Vending machine button 18. Just a few of the L words, for example (with 23 Across) 20. Garden store item 21. Plant life 22. Gurus 23. See 18 Across 26. Actor James 27. Center of m.p.g. 28. Modern-day Persian 30. Stubborn one 33. Lend a hand 36. Fairly common, relatively speaking 40. Bigger than med. 41. Top pilots 42. Office furniture 43. Galley power 45. Post on eBay 46. Literary records (with 56 Across) 53. 2010 shipment from D.C. to Sichuan, China 54. Most new drivers 55. Poseidon’s realm 56. See 46 Across 58. Show partner 59. Two of Ripley’s words 60. Still kicking 61. ___ time next week 62. Cuts down 63. Yielded land 64. School grps. 1. Cheesy chip 2. Cat-like

Down

JUMBLE ANSWERS

Scrabble answers on p. 61.

26 28

Answer: What the theater audience considered the laser show? “LIGHT” DRAMA Jumbles: CANAL SIXTY MARAUD HANGAR

3. Get ready for a birthday party 4. Direction from Utica to NYC 5. ___ the Saddle (1944 John Wayne western) 6. Blockhead 7. Dame from Paris or Indiana 8. She was born on film three times 9. Briefly choose 10. Dessert cart option 11. Pal 12. Off the couch 13. Waits to go in the game 19. Toward Cancun, from Guadalajara 21. Thrash about 24. Daily Planet reporter 25. Mighty Joe Young and King Kong 28. Home from work 29. Fix (as an election) 30. Cheese partner 31. Employ 32. ___ Cruces, New Mexico 33. Traveler’s goal, perhaps 34. Type 35. Capital word in Iowa 37. Football unit 38. Conceptions 39. Suffer a snowman’s fate 43. Requests from a doctor, or to a waiter 44. Controversial apple spray 45. Intuited 46. ... ___ San Jose (pre-MapQuest song) 47. Hop ___ 48. Made off with a fur 49. Frigid 50. Superman portrayer 51. Alabama city 50 miles from Montgomery (by foot) 52. Accounts say-able 53. A good name for a stamp collector 57. Breathalyzer measure (abbrev.) 58. 1/768th of a gallon

Answers on page 61.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 1

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Miscellaneous

Personal Services

Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR. FREE TOWING. “Cars for Kids”. Any condition. Tax deductible outreachcenter.com, 1-800-597-9411.

WOW! GREAT HAIRCUT at a great price! Professional family hair salon conveniently located in Bethesda, MD. State board certified. Call 240-432-7211.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Compare my price before you sell! Serving entire metro area. Call for a free consultation, and professional service. I will purchase one piece or your entire estate. Including Furniture, Artwork, Glassware, Jewelry, Rugs, Costume, Gold and Silver, Watches, Sterling Items, Flatware, Lladro & Hummel Figurines, All Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Bayonets, Medals, Scout Items, Clocks, Music Boxes, Toys, Baseball Memorabilia, Trains, All String Instruments, Including Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Fishing Rods and Reels, Lures, Historical Items, American tools, Posters, Outside Iron Furniture. I am a very reputable dealer with two locations in Silver Spring and Bowie, MD. Please call Christopher Keller 301408-4751 or 301-262-1299. Thank you.

ELECTRONIC CLEAN-OUTS WANTED, Absolute Best Price, Collections, Contents, Electronics, Attic-Basement-Garage, Speakers, Accumulations, Generous Offers, Honest Pricing, Unlimited Funds, Will Travel, CASH. Call Alan 410-740-5222 or 240-478-1100.

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with MEDICARE or PPO. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies (mask, tubing, etc) to prevent infections & sores. Plus, FREE home delivery. Call (866) 933-2435.

GUITAR LESSONS - Ages 9 - 96. Play your favorite songs. Patient teacher. Guitar rentals. Affordable rates. Vienna/Oakton. Weekdays/weekends. Call Wen Little 703-938-6064

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME, 68 Weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a diploma. Get a job! 1-800-264-8330, www.diplomafromhome.com.

Personals

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? You choose from families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6292, 24/7 Void/Illinois.

OLD FASHIONED 63-YEAR-OLD White male seeking old fashioned female 65-100 years old, for fun, walks, movies, TV and cuddling. 703-751-1037.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com.

ACTIVE WIDOWED CHRISTIAN LADY, seeking active Christian gentleman, 78-85, non-smoker. Likes going to the Eastern Shore and eating out occasionally. Please reply to P.O. BOX 12154, Silver Spring, MD 20908.

Personal Services

GOOD-HUMORED, gourmet cook, town and county woman seeks to share the good life and some Sinatra moments with an energetic 55+ male who might be available for an enduring friendship. Ava, 301-585-8019.

STRESSED? TIRED? OVERWHELMED? Changes in work status, family life, friendships, health and aging can produce increased levels of stress. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with training and experience in cognitive/behavioral therapy. I support people who are undergoing change to help them transform “limitations” into possibilities. Convenient Bethesda location. Accept Medicare. Don’t struggle alone: Call for support today. Judith R. Peres, LCSW-C 301-455-5140. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike 301-565-4051. CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS. Specializing in residential and small business organizing, paperwork management and senior move management. Member National Association Professional Organizers (NAPO). Bonded, insured. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 10% senior discount 301-916-9022. DO YOU HAVE A NOVEL IN YOU? Awardwinning writer with 25 years experience with help you write, edit, and help find agents and publishers for your work of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or your memoir. Hourly rate reduced for senior citizens. Phone Jack Ryan at 703-8552501, or email to jryan12558@aol.com. MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, cooking, personal assistant. Do you need to plan an event? Also does Elder Care. Honest, reasonable rate, and references provided. 240-5957467. WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

Vacation Opportunities WE ARE CHINA TOUR SPECIALISTS. Please call us at 703-992-8990 or see www.chinawidetravel.com. SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com (800) 882-0296.

Wanted HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls. We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on eBay – the worldwide internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia. Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. Please call Tom 240-476-3441, Thank you. WANTED TO BUY old magazines, books, postcards, posters, etc., pre-1975. Also bookends, antique bookcases with glass fronts. Please call 301-946-0941 anytime.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 16

HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR Historic Garden Week in Virginia offers the opportunity to visit

beautiful homes and gardens on the Eastern Shore. Go on privately guided tours of some of the area’s most impressive waterfront homes and gardens with the Smithsonian Associates. The bus leaves at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 from the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St., S.W., Washington, D.C., and returns at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $135 for resident members and $181 for general admission. For more information, call (202) 633-3030 or go to www.residentassociates.org.

Mar. 18+

CHERRY BLOSSOM WALK The Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club is sponsoring a seasonal, self-guided Kenwood Cherry Blossoms and Spring

Flowers Walk in Bethesda, Md. between March 18 and May 16. The walk is 10 km, or six miles. Pick up your map at Starbucks Coffee, 4611-E Sangamore Rd. in the Shops at Sumner Place in Bethesda. For more information, contact: Jim Hathaway at (301) 229-1356 or e-mail: hathawayjd@aol.com.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES– Old and good quality furniture, glass, pottery, china, paintings, art, toys, advertising, costume and high-grade jewelry, gold, silver, silver flatware, wind-up watches, clocks, dolls, musical instruments, music boxes, sports & paper memorabilia, sterling, fishing, hunting, rugs, lamps, Hummels, political, rock & roll memorabilia, posters, military items, helmets, guns, swords, bayonets, medals, weapons, guitars, banjos, prints, art, sculptures, Lladro, bronzes, trains, fishing rod reels & lures, cast iron outdoor furniture, hi-grade American made tools, presentation and other unusual items. Purchasing one piece or entire estates. I have over 30 years experience and I am a very ethical dealer located in Bowie, Md. Also a permanent vendor at Eastern Market in Southeast Washington, DC on Sundays. Please call Mike Keller, (301) 731-0982 or (301) dc742-5031. WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom or Katherine. Call anytime 301-654-8678.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rungs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-279-8834. Thank you. WANTED: ANTIQUE ELECTRONICS, radio tubes, ham radios, tube HIFI amps; huge old speakers, vinyl records, scientific curiosities, antique computers, calculators. 202-527-9501. CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301-6465403. Will make House Calls. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201. ESTATE BUY-OUTS ESTATE CLEANOUTS Single piece or entire estate, real estate prep, trash hauling, house cleaning, deliveries, etc. The Attic, LLC. 301-520-0755. Montgomery, DC, PG. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. SILVER, top dollar for your old sterling (925, 800) silver flatware, bowls, candlesticks, etc. Condition unimportant. Please call Richard, 301-646-0101 or 301-230-7686. WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1-310-721-0726. TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-4546951. WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS any kind/brand. Unexpired up to $16.00. Shipping Paid 1-800-266-0702 www.selldiabeticstrips.com.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 10

VIRGINIA HEALTH REFORM

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE ) Arlington Chapter 7 will host a meeting on Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m., A social hour with refreshments begins at 7 p.m. The speaker is Cindi Jones, director of Virginia Health Reform Initiatives in the office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Her talk will focus on what Virginia is doing for healthcare reform on the state and federal levels. Guests are welcome. The meeting will be held at Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Dr., Arlington, Va. Parking is permitted in the Culpepper Garden parking lot with a pass obtained at the front desk. For more information, contact Bill Braswell at (703) 241-5530.

Mar. 15

UNDERSTANDING ORGANIC GARDENING

How would you like to have an abundance of juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp fresh greens, and sweet crunchy carrots? If you aspire to garden and want to grow your own fresh, healthy, organic food, this free presentation by the Accokeek Foundation will provide you with an overview of the information you need to begin the process. The class will be held on Tuesday, March 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 3400 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek, Md. To register or for more information, visit www.accokeek.org/events, call (301) 283-2113 or e-mail accofound@accokeek.org.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

The life you know, a home you’ll love At The Virginian, a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Fairfax, Virginia, residents enjoy an ideal location and an enriching lifestyle complete with a variety of amenities, activities and of course, a friendly, caring staff. With a reputation for maintaining a family atmosphere, The Virginian is considered amongst Northern Virginia’s most respected Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s) since opening in 1980. As a CCRC, we have multiple living options available including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Assisted Living and Long Term Care. We’re proud to offer our residents plans that include no large entrance fees, and we accept residents at all levels of care. Visit our newly renovated facility, and see for yourself why residents and their families love to call The Virginian home.

9229 ARLINGTON BOULEVARD FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22031 (703) 385-0555 www.thevirginian.org